









































































































































DIGEST 


OF THE 


CONSTITUTIONS, 


AWS AND 


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OF THE 

ANCIENT ORDER 


UNITED WORKMEN. 


COMPILED BY DIRECTION OF THE SUPREME LODGE. 


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BUFFALO: 

BAKER, JONES & CO., PRINTERS AND BINDERS; 

1884. 













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ABSENCE. 

Absence of officers, see Meeting, par. 26 ; Appointment, par. 1, et seq.j 
Quorum, par. 18; Alternate, par. 3. 

— unavoidable. Lodge judge of what constitutes, see Installation, par. 36. 

— leave of, see Past Master Workman, par. 16. 

ACCLAMATION. 

Acclamation, see Election Supreme Lodge, par. 1, Voting. 

ACCOUNT. 

1. Separate accounts are to be kept by the Supreme and each Grand 
Recorder, with each Subordinate Lodge in their respective jurisdictions. 

See Art. VIII, § 6, Supreme L. Con. See also title “ Supreme Recorder,” 
par. 1, 18, 23, 29, etc. 

Grand Recorder, par. 47-49, 51, etc. 

Auditing Committee, par. 1. 

2. Time of balancing. The books of the Supreme Lodge shall be balanced 
on the last day of February. 

See title Fiscal Year, par. 1. 

ACTION. 

1. Kansas. If a Subordinate Lodge is not incorporated under the State laws, 
and the Receiver becomes a defaulter, his bond may be sued on by all the mem- 
bers of the Lodge joined as plaintiffs, or by the Master Workman or Trustee in 
the name and in behalf of all the members. 

If incorporated, the suit should be brought by the Trustees. 

Pro. G. L . Kansas , 1882,/. 12. 

2. Costs of actions for beneficiary sums should be paid out of the beneficiary 
fund. 

See title Beneficiary Fund, par. 1 19-120. 

3. Law — Decision of Lodge final. Where the articles for 
the government of a tribe provided that the decision of the 
Grand Council as to the right of a member to benefits claimed 
should be final, and the decision was rendered against him, a 
court of law has no jurisdiction of an action to recover such 
benefits. 

Anacosta Tribe vs. Murbach, 13 Md., 91. 


4 


ACTION. 


4. Chief Justice Gibson expressed the opinion, in one case, 
that even though plaintiff had not been expelled, he could not 
enforce payment of his stipendiary allowance by action; that 
the society never consented to expose itself to the costs and 
vexation of an action for every weekly pittance that might be 
in arrear. 

Black and White Smith’s Society vs. Vandyke, 2 Wharton , 309. 

5. If a mutual benefit association fails to pay the amount 
due upon the death of a member whom it has agreed to insure 
to the extent of a certain sum for each certificate in force, the 
remedy is by an action for breach of contract, especially if the 
liability is disputed, and not by mandamus to compel the com- 
pany to assess its members in order to make up the amount due. 
Nor does it make any difference that the company has no funds 
to pay a judgment. 

Burland vs. Northwestern Mutual Benefit Association, 47 Mich., 424. 

Bates vs. Detroit Mutual Benefit Association. 

6. It is no objection to an action for money had and received, 
brought by the officers of a society (authorized by statute to 
maintain suits), against a member who had been entrusted with 
the money for safe keeping, that he was a partner or tenant in 
common with the plaintiffs, the suit not being against him as a 
member, but as a mere defaulter, accountable to the society for 
their money in his hands, and he must be taken to have prom- 
ised to pay over the money entrusted to his keeping whenever 
it should be demanded by the persons entitled to make the de- 
mand. Besides, his carrying away the money and leaving the 
society makes him liable as if he were not himself a member of 
the society. 

Sharp vs. Warren, 6 Price, 131. 

7. A provision of the constitution and by-laws of a benevo- 
lent association of Odd Fellows giving a right of appeal to the 
Grand Lodge, whose decision shall be conclusive upon the claim 
presented, is not binding upon the members, and does not de- 


ACTION. 


5 


prive the courts of jurisdiction to entertain an action in refer- 
ence to such claim. 

So held in a case where the lodge attempted to reduce the 
amount of a sick member’s weekly allowance, by an amendment 
to the by-laws. 

Poultney vs. Bachman, io Abb. New Cases , 252; bo How., 466. {Nisi 
Prius.) 

8. Where the charter provided that sick members should be 
entitled to a certain allowance while so much remained in the 
funds, it was ruled that an action could not be maintained by a 
member to recover the allowance, as it must be presumed that 
the proper authorities had determined that the corporation was 
not in funds, and the member is concluded by the decision of 
the forum of his own selection. 

Toram vs. Howard Beneficial Association, 4 Penn., 519. 

9. A mandamus will not issue to compel the reinstatement 
of a member in a Masonic Lodge from which he has been 
expelled, when he had previously appealed for redress to the 
tribunal established by the society for hearing such complaints 
and the expulsion had been confirmed. 

Burt vs. Grand Lodge of Free Masons, 44 Mich., 208, No opinion 
reported. 

See title Mandamus. 

10. Where a member of a benevolent society brought suit in 
a court not of record to recover the weekly allowances or bene- 
fits for a period before and after his expulsion, and the society 
set up his expulsion in bar of suit, and the court passed upon 
the regularity and validity of the expulsion and only allowed 
the plaintiff the benefits accruing before that time, it was held 
that this was a bar to an action brought for his reinstatement to 
membership, and for damages. Where, in such a case, a party 
submits the question of his expulsion to the justice, even though 
the justice has no inherent equity jurisdiction, he is concluded 
by the determination; for when a matter is regularly deter- 


6 


ACTION. 


mined, in whatever form, by a competent tribunal, the same is 
not open to inquiry in any other proceeding between the same 
parties. 

Bachman vs. New Yorker Deutcher Arbiter Bund, 64 How., 442. 

n. The by-laws of an association provided that whenever a 
member had cause of complaint on questions which related to 
his enjoyment of benefits, he should seek redress from his tribe, 
and if against him, on appeal from its decision to the Grand 
Tribe of the State, and on that to the Grand Tribe of the United 
States, and should he neglect to pursue such cause, and should 
bring suit in a tribunal outside of the order, he should be sub- 
ject to expulsion. Plaintiff pursued the course prescribed, and 
his claim having been decided against him, originally and on the 
appeals, he brought suit to recover sick benefits from his tribe. 
It was adjudged that the decision of the tribes was conclusive 
against him. 

Osceola Tribe vs. Schmidt, 57 Md., 98. 

The penalty of expulsion was imposed, and there was no pro- 
vision that the decision or the appeals should be final. 

12. The rights of different persons claiming to represent a 
Subordinate Lodge of the Order of Good Templars are to be 
determined by the constitution of the Grand Lodge, and 
although a Subordinate Lodge has done acts which render it lia- 
ble to have its charter declared forfeited by the Supreme Lodge, 
yet until such forfeiture has been declared, it is entitled to pos- 
session of the property of the lodge; and a bill in equity filed 
to obtain possession of the property, by those claiming to be 
recognized by the Grand Lodge as the Subordinate Lodge, before 
the remedies and course of procedure prescribed by the consti- 
tution of the Grand Lodge have been taken, will be dismissed 
on demurrer. 

Chamberlain vs. Lincoln, 129 Mass., 70. 

13. Good Standing. In an action upon a contract for life 
insurance, in the shape of a certificate of membership, reciting 


ADVANCE ASSESSMENT. 


7 


that the deceased was a “beneficiary in good standing” in a 
benevolent association, and that upon his death a sum named 
would be paid, “ provided he be in good standing when he dies,” 
the certificate is proof of the good standing of the party named 
at the time issued, and such standing will be presumed to have 
continued, in the absence of contrary evidence. 

In such case the burden of proof is on the society to show 
that, by reason of his conduct, or his failure to comply with the 
regulations or requirements of the society, the deceased had 
lost his good standing. 

Knights of Honors. Johnson, 78 fnd., no. 

ACT OF INCORPORATION. 

Act of incorporation of Supreme Lodge and acceptance of, see Supreme 
Lodge, Incorporation. 

ADJOURNMENT. 

See Meeting, par. 16-18, etc. 

ADMINISTRATOR. 

See Beneficiary Certificate, par. 32-36, etc. 

ADMISSION TO MEMBERSHIP. 

See Application Membership, Illegal Admission, par. 1-2. 

1. Members without password A member not entitled to the S. A. P. W., 
can be refused admission to the Lodge-room, and should only be admitted to 
pay dues and assessments. 

If presenting himself for the latter purpose only, the Master Workman should 
send the Financier to the ante-room for the purpose of receiving them. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1883,/. 

2. Exclusion of all persons not members. No person except a member 
should ever, at any time, for any purpose, be admitted to a Lodge while open. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1883,/. 488. See Age. 

ADVANCE ASSESSMENT. 


See Assessment. 


8 


AGE. 


ADVANCEMENT. 

I. The term “ being advanced ” refers to the application of a J. W. for the 
M. W. degree. 

This application is made immediately after the conferring of the J. W. degree, 
and a ballot upon said application should be taken at the same meeting, unless 
postponed by a vote of the Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1884,1. 665. 

Advancement, see Junior Workman. 

AFFIRMATION. 

See Initiation, par. 3. 

AGE. 

1. Under fifty. No person shall be admitted to member- 
ship unless he be * * * under fifty years of age, etc. 

Art. I, Sub. L. Const. 

2. Over twenty-one, etc. No person shall be admitted to 
membership except he be * * * of the full age of twenty-one 
years and under fifty years of age at the time of receiving the 
Master Workman’s degree. 

L. 1 of Gen. ' App. 

3. A member over fifty years of age “ suspended from the Order ” cannot 
be reinstated. 

Pro. nth Ann. Sess. Sup. Lodge, p. 125. 

4. Dispensation. The Supreme Master Workman has no power to grant a 
dispensation authorizing the admission of an applicant fifty years of age and up- 
ward, nor one under twenty-one. 

. Such persons cannot be admitted. 

The law is imperative and mandatory, and the admission of such an one by a 
Subordinate Lodge would be good ground for forfeiture of its charter. 

Neither can an instituting officer admit such an one as a charter member at the 
institution of a Lodge. 

Pro. Sup. L. 8th Ann. Sess. 1880 , p. 187. 

See Dispensation, par. 2-3, 15. 

5. Beneficiary certificates ratified. On the 8th day of June, 1882, the Su- 
preme Lodge adopted a resolution intended to validate and ratify beneficiary cer- 
tificates issued before that time to persons who were over fifty years of age at the 


AGE. 


9 


date of their admission to the Order , provided such persons had made no false 
statement as to age at the time of their admission, and were at the date of the 
resolution members of the Order, “but that from and after this date no person 
over the age of fifty shall be received into this Order.” 

Pro. Sup. I. loth Ann. Sess. 1882. 

6. A person in his twenty-first year is not eligible to membership. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1880,/. 158. 

7. An applicant fifty years of age on the day of the night when the 
Lodge receives the report of the investigation committee is ineligible. 

Pro. G. L. Maryland , A r . J. t and Del., 1882 , p. 19.. 

8. Age of applicant. A member over fifty years of age, removing from one 
jurisdiction to another may be admitted by card to membership in a Subordinate 
Lodge, if he be elected and comply with all the requirements of the laws of the 
Order. 

Pro. “jth Ann. Sess. S. I., p. 149. 

9. From foreign jurisdiction. A member of the Order from another juris- 
diction, applying for admission into a Lodge in this State, who complies with the 
law, and is only elected, may be taken in, although over fifty years of age. 

Pro. G. L of III., 1883,/. 487. 

10. Failure of meeting. On the night when an applicant should have been 
initiated, there was no quorum present. Before the next meeting of the Lodge, 
the applicant became fifty years of age. 

Held that the applicant could not be received. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1879 , P- 178. 

11. Birthday. A person is fifty years old on the day preceding the anniver- 
sary of his birth. 

A person born on the 8th is fifty years old on the 7th. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1880,/. 16S. 

1 2. Member holding card. Where a member of the Order in this jurisdiction 
applies to be admitted to another Lodge than his own, by card, the Lodge must 
proceed according to the previsions of § 6, Art. XIV, of the G. L. Const. (L. 
20 of Gen. App.). In that case the question of age is not to be considered, and 
a certificate of a physician only is required as to his bodily health. But where 
a member from another jurisdiction applies to be admitted by card, the Lodge 
must proceed in all respects as upon an original application for membership, and 
if the applicant is over fifty years of age he cannot be admitted to membership 
in this jurisdiction. (See L. 23 of Gen. App.) 

Pro. G. L. III., 18S3,/. 654. 


10 


AGE. 


13. A brother holding a card from another jurisdiction may join here, 
though past fifty years of age, by otherwise complying with the law. 

Pro. G. L. Col., 1884, p. 57. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 18S4. 

14. A day or an hour over fifty years of age disqualifies for membership. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1879 ,p. 181. 

15. Sickness. A candidate who, after having been elected, is taken sick, and 
before he is able to take the degrees in their regular order, passes his fifty-first 
birthday, is not eligible. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1881. 

16. Reinstatement. If a member is suspended under the provisions of §§ 10 
and 11 of Beneficiary Article, he may be reinstated although he passes the age 
of fifty years during such suspension. But, if suspended from all benefits and 
privileges in the Order under the provisions of § 12, and during such total sus- 
pension passes the age of fifty years, he cannot be reinstated. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1S82, p. 477. 

Pro. G. L. III., 18S 3,/. 606. 

17. Exclusion of member over age. A member admitted to the Order, 
who at the time is over the prescribed age, must be excluded therefrom, his 
admission being illegal and void. 

Dig., 1 st Ed., 462. 

18. Age prevents advancement. If a candidate, notwithstanding he is 
under fifty years of age when he receives the Junior Workman degree, attains 
the full age of fifty years before taking the Master Workman degree, he can pro- 
ceed no further. 

If the candidate was in no fault, all money paid by him should be returned; 
he has ceased to have any rights in the Order. 

Pro. G. L. IVis., 1881. 

19. He cannot be advanced, nor can the beneficiary certificate be issued to 
him. 

20. Birthday. The date at which a person becomes fifty years of age is 
ascertained by adding fifty years to the date of his birth. Thus, a person born 
May 1st, 1828, is on May Tst, 1878, fifty years of age, and ineligible to member- 
ship. 

Dig., 1st Ed , par. 461. Note. 

21. Law. Although the rules of the association provide that 
no person shall be admitted to membership who is over a spec- 


AGENCY. 


11 


ified age, yet the association may waive this rule by admitting 
such person to membership, and he cannot, after being taken ill, 
be expelled on that account, at least so as to deprive him of 
sick benefits or weekly allowances. 

In such case, where the complaint alleged that plaintiff was 
also expelled for being out of doois without the consent of the 
president as well as the physician (but no such rule was averred 
to exist), and that the association was a partnership and had 
funds to which he had contributed and had a right to participate 
therein, it was held good on demurrer. That when rights of the 
character indicated in the complaint are improperly sought to 
be taken from a member of an association, such as this is alleged 
to be, it is within the power of the court to inquire into the 
reasonableness and propriety of the action, and grant appro- 
priate relief. 

Olery vs. Brown, 51 How., 92. {Sup. Ct. Spl. T.) 

AGENCY. 

22. Question. Where a Financier embezzles the sum of one assessment, and 
the Subordinate Lodge has not sufficient general fund to make the amount good, 
can the Lodge order an assessment on its members to reimburse the beneficiary 
fund, and in case of refusal to pay such an assessment, can the member refus- 
ing be suspended for non-payment? To this the G. M. W. responded : “ Yes, 
to both questions. As the Financier is the agent of the members of the Subor- 
dinate Lodge, if he defaults, and the money thereby does not reach the Grand 
Recorder, the Lodge stands supended.” 

This decision was approved by the Committee on Laws and Supervision by 
their report made to the Grand Lodge; but the question being upon agreeing 
with the report of the committee, the same was not concurred in by the Grand 
Lodge, forty-eight being in favor of the report, and forty-nine opposed thereto. 

Pro. G. L. Kansas, 1883, pp. 8, 66. 

But the Grand Master Workman, whose decision was thus overruled, there- 
after, from the floor, offered a resolution, which was adopted, and which was 
as follows, so far as the same touches the principle of the foregoing decision : 

“ Resolved , That the Financier, and all other Subordinate Lodge officers are the 
agents of the Subordinate Lodge, and in the event of his [or their] embezzling 
any money or funds due to or belonging to the Grand Lodge, it shall be the duty 
of his Lodge to pay all such sums and amounts to the Grand Lodge.” — Ibid. 


12 


AGENCY. 


23. Law — Lodge agent of Grand Lodge. The constitution 
of a corporation known as “The Mutual Widows’ and Orphans’ 
F und,” provided that its directory should be elected by the sev- 
eral Groves of the United Ancient Order of Druids in Wiscon- 
sin, and that the Groves should be the agents of the corporation 
to collect and pay over the dues of their members, also, that 
every member “ whose assessment is not paid by his Grove to 
the directory, within thirty days after demand made, forfeits his 
claim,” to have a certain sum in the nature of life insurance 
paid to his widow or heirs on his death. In an action by a 
widow of a member whose dues had been fully paid to his Grove 
at the time of his death, it was held that she could recover the 
amount of insurance, although the Grove had failed to pay 
them over to the directory. 

Schunck vs. Gegenseitiger Wittwen and Waisen Fond, 44 Wise., 369. 

24. The constitution of the Mutual Life Insurance Company 
of an Order provided that each Lodge should be the agent of 
the corporation, to collect and pay over the assessments of its 
members, also, that one’s insurance should be forfeited in case, 
at his death, he had not paid all assessments. 

E, not expecting to be able to attend a certain meeting of his 
Lodge, requested another member to attend to his, E’s dues, 
delivering him part of the amount necessary therefor; but 
before the meeting E was accidentally killed. All assessments 
against him were voluntarily paid for him to his Lodge, for- 
warded to the corporation, and accepted and retained thereby 
with knowledge of E’s death, until suit by his widow r to recover 
the insurance money. 

Held that the forfeiture was waived. 

Erdmann vs. Mutual Ins. Co. of the Order of Hermann’s Sons, 44 
Wise., 376. 

25. The benevolent object of the Order for whose benefit 
the company was organized, and the provisions of the constitu- 
tion and by-laws- indicating a purpose to mitigate forfeitures, 


AMENDMENTS 


13 


requires the court to lay hold of any act or circumstance indi- 
cating an intention by defendant to waive the forfeiture. 

Under the Missouri Act of 1865, page 224, indicating that the 
Subordinate Groves of Druids are created for carrying into 
effect the objects of the Grand Grove, they have power to bind 
themselves and it by acts done within the scope of their author- 
ity. 

Barbaro vs. Occidental Grove, No. 16, 4 Missouri Appeals , 429. 

ALTERATIONS. 

As to alterations of Constitution, By-Laws, etc., see Amendments. 

As to alteration of Beneficiary Certificate, see that title , par. 38-57. 

ALTERNATES. 

26. Representative vacancies In case of a vacancy in the 
representatives from a Grand Lodge, the Grand Master Work- 
man thereof may appoint a qualified Past Grand Master Work- 
man to serve until the vacancy may be filled by a new election; 
provided, that in no case can a brother be appointed who is not 
in good standing in the Subordinate Lodge to which he belongs. 

L. 20, App. to G. L. 

27. Alternate representatives shall act for the representative in his absence 
from the Grand Lodge by reason of sickness or other disability. 

By-Laws III. G. L ., Art. II, §8, clause 1. 

28. Temporary absence. An alternate representative to the Grand Lodge, 
during the temporary absence of the regular representative, cannot, without due 
consent, vote or act for the Subordinate Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1879, p. 104. 

29. Massachusetts. Any Lodge which has but one P. M. W. may elect 
its M. W. as alternate. 

Const. G. L. Mass., Art. II, § 2. 

AMALGAMATION. 

See Consolidation of Lodges. 

AMENDMENTS. 

1. Amendment of Constitution of Supreme Lodge. Al- 
terations and Amendments to the Constitution may be made at 


14 


AMENDMENTS. 


any annual meeting of the Supreme Lodge, by a vote of two- 
thirds of the entire number to which the members enrolled at 
such meeting are entitled. 

The Supreme Lodge may adopt such regulations and general 
laws as may be deemed necessary for the welfare of the Order, 
not inconsistent with the provisions of this constitution, and 
alter, amend, or abrogate the same. 

Art. XIII, Const. Sup. L. 

2. Vote on roll call by States. The pending question being an amend- 
ment to the Supreme Lodge constitution, the roll was called by States. 

The whole number of votes comprised in the Supreme Lodge was 139. The 
whole number of votes cast was 129, of which go were in favor of the amend- 
ment and 39 were opposed thereto. 

The Supreme Master Workman declared the amendment lost, whereupon an 
appeal was taken to the Supreme Lodge, and the decision of the Supreme Mas- 
ter Workman was reversed. Upon the question whether the decision of the 
Supreme Master Workman should stand as the judgment of the Supreme Lodge, 
the roll was not called. 

Pro. 10th Ann. Sess. Sup. L., p. 618. 

3. Propositions fail with the session. Amendments to the constitution 
proposed at one session, but not acted upon, fail with that session. 

Pro. 8 th Ann. Sess. Sup. L., p. 264. 

Roberts' Rules , § 42. 

Cushing’s Manual , § 140. 

4. This rule also applies to all business not specially referred by one session 
to another through a committee or otherwise. — Ibid. 

5. Promulgation of amendments. When the Supreme Lodge, at any regular 
session, shall alter or amend its constitution, laws of general application, or 
laws applicable to Grand Lodges, and when such alteration or amendment is in 
conflict with the provisions of the constitution of any separate beneficiary 
jurisdiction, then, in such case, the Supreme Lodge enactment must govern. 

It is the duty of the Grand Master Workman of each separate beneficiary 
jurisdiction to declare such amendment or amendments in force in his jurisdic- 
tion by his official circular, as soon as practicable, after any session of the 
Supreme Lodge at which any such amendment or amendments may have 
passed. 

Resolution Sup. L., qth Ann. Sess., iS8r, p. 402. 


AMENDMENT OF GENERAL LAWS. 


15 


6 . Propositions to amend constitution, etc., must be introduced before noon 
of the third day of Supreme Lodge session. 

See Rules of Order of Supreme Lodge, par. 14. 

Amendment of rules of order of Supreme Lodge. 

See Rules of Order. 

AMENDMENT OF GENERAL LAWS. 

1. Laws of general application. A vote of two-thirds of the entire num- 
ber of members enrolled at any meeting of the Supreme Lodge is necessary to 
alter, amend or abrogate any of the provisions of the general laws of the 
Order. 

Pro. 7th Ann. Sess. S. L., p. 114. 

2. Amendment of Grand Lodge constitution. After the 
institution of a Grand Lodge and the adoption of a constitution, 
no alteration or amendment shall be made to such constitution, 
unless such alteration or amendment be proposed in writing at 
a session of the Grand Lodge at least three months previous to 
the regular session of said Grand Lodge, a copy of which shall 
be submitted to each Subordinate Lodge, and if adopted at the 
next regular session of the Grand^Lodge by vote of two-thirds 
of the entire number to which the members enrolled at such 
meeting shall be entitled, and approved a's above, the same shall 
be in force, and not otherwise; provided, Grand Lodges may, 
by such vote of two-thirds, abrogate the foregoing provisions 
requiring the alteration or amendment to be proposed in writing 
at a session of the Grand Lodge at least three months previous 
to the regular session, and that a copy be submitted to each Sub- 
ordinate Lodge. 

Part of Law 17, applicable to Grand Lodge. 

3. Alterations or amendments to Grand or Subordinate Lodge constitutions 
to make them conform to the constitution, laws or requirements of the Supreme 
Lodge may be made by a majority vote of a Grand Lodge, at any session, and 
it is the duty of Grand Lodges in all cases to make such alterations or amend- 
ments without delay. 

Dig., 1st Ed . , par. 127. 

There is no power or authority authorizing the alteration or amendment of 
Grand Lodge constitutions, except the law of the Supreme Lodge and the con- 
stitutions themselves. 


16 


AMENDMENT OF GENERAL LAWS. 


These rules must be conformed to. There is no dispossessing power in the 
Order which can set them aside to meet any exigency or emergency. 

Pro. 7th Ann. Sess. S. L., 1879,/. 9. 

9 

4. A committee cannot pass laws. It is not competent for a Grand Lodge 
to delegate its powers of enacting or passing laws to a committee. 

Where a Grand Lodge authorized the appointment of a committee to prepare 
a new Grand Lodge constitution during the recess, which was done, and such 
constitution, after approval by the Grand Master Workman, was sent to the 
Supreme Master Workman for his action thereon, the latter officer withheld 
approval until the Grand Lodge in session had acted upon and adopted the same, 
and it had also been approved by the Committee on Laws and Supervision of 
the Supreme Lodge. 

See Pro. G. L. Texas , 1883,//. 35-52. 

5. A resolution in conflict with the constitution of the Grand Lodge has no 
greater effect than a proposed amendment, which would have to lay over one 
year before action could be taken on it. 

The constitution cannot be altered or amended by a resolution, except the 
resolution take the form of an amendment, and lies over one year. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1880 , pp. 157-158. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1878,/. S8. 

6. A law cannot be amended by adopting the recommendation of a Grand 
Master Workman, made in a report to the Grand Lodge. 

Pro . Sup. L ., 1884. 

7. Amendments of Subordinate Lodge constitution. The 

constitution prescribed for the government of Subordinate 
Lodges by Grand Lodges may be altered or amended in the same 
manner as that prescribed for the alteration or amendment of 
Grand Lodge constitutions. 

L. 18, App. to Grand Lodge . 

8. Amendments, how submitted. It is sufficient to submit proposed 
amendments to Subordinate Lodges, by means of the printed journal containing 
them. 

Pro. G. L. Maryland, 1S81 , 14. 

All by-laws (and amendments thereto) of Lodges under the immediate juris- 
diction of the Supreme Lodge, and all constitutions of Grand Lodges and gen 
eral laws and amendments thereto, before taking effect shall be forwarded in 
duplicate to the Supreme Recorder, duly attested by the signature of the Re- 


AMENDMENT OF GENERAL LAWS. 


17 


corder or Grand Recorder, as the case may be, with the proper seal affixed. 
The Supreme Recorder shall then note upon a record the date of the reception 
thereof, and forward the same to the chairman of the Committee on Laws and 
Supervision, who shall forward the same, if approved, to the Supreme Master 
Workman, if the Supreme Lodge is not in session. If approved by him, or by 
the Supreme Lodge, the same shall be returned to the Supreme Recorder, who 
shall retain one copy on file in his office, and the other he shall return to the 
Recorder or Grand Recorder, as the case may be, of the Lodge or Grand Lodge 
adopting the same. 

Standing Rule adopted by Sup. Lodge , 12 th Ann. Sess. , 1884. 

The action of the committee should appear alike, on the copy filed and on that 
returned. 

9. Alterations and amendments of constitution of Sub- 
ordinate Lodges under the Supreme Lodge jurisdiction. 

No alteration or amendment shall be made to this constitution, 
unless the same be proposed in writing, at a regular meeting of 
the Supreme Lodge, and adopted by a two-thirds vote. 

Art. XIX, Sub. L. Const. 

10. Amendments to by-laws. See By-Laws, par. 1-2, etc. 

Effect of resolution as an amendment. See Resolution, par. 1-2. 

11. Law. A corporation whose general purpose is declared 
to be the welfare of its members and others, and particularly 
for the relief of members in times of sickness and distress, may 
extend its benefits to the families of its members, and make 
provision for the widows of deceased members. 

Gundlach vs. Germania Mechanics’ Ass’n, 4 Hun , 339; 49 How., 190. 

12. And a society, whose objects are, among others, to pro- 
vide for the widows and orphans of the members thereof, may 
provide for weekly payments to sick members. 

McCabe vs. Father Mathew’s Soc., 24 Hun, 149. 

13. When the articles of association provide that upon the 
death of a member, his widow shall be entitled to receive a 
specified sum monthly during widowhood, a subsequent amend- 
ment thereto reducing the amount to be paid to the widow will 
not be construed to operate retroactively and to affect the rights 

2 


18 


AMENDMENT OF GENERAL LAWS. 


of those who became widows before the amendment; besides, 
the rights of the parties became fixed upon the death of the 
member, and the association could not, to any extent, relieve 
itself from its obligations to pay according to the original 
articles — Ibid. 

The benefit to which a member of a Lodge of Odd Fellows 
has become entitled by reason of existing illness cannot be 
reduced or abolished by an amendment of the by-law by which 
it is conferred, although the power of amendment or alteration 
was expressly reserved by the by-laws in force when such mem- 
ber joined the association, because: 

First — It would be depriving him of a vested right, and vio- 
late the contract. 

Second — It would enable the association to defeat one of the 
professed purposes of its organization, and to commit a fraud 
upon those who rely upon its engagements. 

Poultney vs. Bachmann, io Abb. New Cases , 252; 62 How., 466. ( Nisi 
Frius.) 

14. An amendment of the by-laws of an insurance company, 
merely for the purpose of regulating its mode of business, and 
adding no new condition to the policies already issued, becomes 
a part of each policy, and is binding on the insured. Thus, 
where the policy provided that assessments shall be paid within 
ten days after receiving notice thereof, and the by-laws, as sub- 
sequently amended, provided that in case a member shall neglect 
to pay assessments after being notified of such neglect, he shall 
forfeit his policy, it was held that this did not impair or annex 
any condition to the policy. 

Georgia Masonic Mut. Ins. Co. vs. Gibson, 52 Geo., 640. 

* 

15. Where an article of the constitution of a benevolent 
society provides for the payment of a certain weekly sum to 
sick members, and thereafter, in pursuance of a resolution 
adopted at a regular meeting of the society, as provided by the 
constitution for the amendments of the constitution and by-laws, 


APPEALS. 


19 


the article is suspended, such suspension or alteration is binding 
upon a member who falls sick subsequent to the time of its 
going into effect, and such resolution of suspension is valid, 
although adopted on Sunday, and no notice of the intention to 
offer such resolution need be given to a member; it is sufficient 
that the by-laws require that the resolution shall be proposed 
one week before its passage. 

McCabe vs. Father Mathew’s Benefit Society, 24 Hun , 149. 

16. Where a by-law provides that a specified sum per day 
shall be paid to the widow of a deceased member, and the con- 
stitution and charter authorize an amendment or alteration of 
the by-laws, an amendment providing that the amount to be 
paid should not exceed a certain sum, applies as well to those 
who had become widows as to those who should become widows 
thereafter — that the former had not such a vested right which 
the society could not modify. 

Fugure vs. Mutual Society of St. Joseph, 46 Vt ., 362. 

17. In this case plaintiff’s husband becomes a member before, 
and continued to be one after, the incorporatian of the society, 
when the amendment referred to was made subsequent to his 
death. 

AMOTION. 

See Removals and Vacancies. 

ANCHOR AND SHIELD. 

See Emblem. 

A. O. U. W. 

See Objects, Etc. 

Note.— For a statement of the origin, etc,, of the Ancient Order United Work- 
men, reference is made to the Pro. Sup. Lodge , lit h Ann. Sess. 1883, p. 159, etseq. 

APPEALS. 

1. Appeals to Supreme Lodge. Any member of a Grand 
Lodge or any Subordinate Lodge under the jurisdiction thereof, 
may appeal to the Supreme Lodge or to the Supreme Master 


20 


APPEALS. 


Workman, from the decision of such Grand Lodge, and any 
member of a Subordinate Lodge under the immediate jurisdic- 
tion of the Supreme Lodge may appeal from the decision of 
such Subordinate Lodge to the Supreme Lodge. 

Art. XII, Sup. L . Const., par. i. 

2. • Notice in writing of such appeal must be given to the 
Grand Master Workman of the Grand Lodge or to the Master 
Workman of the Subordinate Lodge, as the case maybe, within 
thirty days from the date of such decision; and, within sixty days 
from the date of such decision, unless good cause to the contrary 
be shown, not the result of any fault or negligence on the part of 
the appellant, he must file with the Supreme Master Workman 
or the Supreme Lodge, a full transcript of all the records and 
proceedings had, including the evidence, if any, pertaining to 
the matter, from the decision of which the appeal is taken. 
This transcript must be prepared by the Grand Recorder of the 
Grand Lodge, or the Recorder of the Subordinate Lodge, as the 
case may be, and for which the appellant must pay in advance, 
if required, at the rate of ten cents per hundred words contained 
therein. 

Art. XII, Sup. L. Const., par. 2. 

3. Such appeal shall be decided by the Supreme Lodge with 
all convenient dispatch. In case the appeal be taken from a de- 
cision expelling a member from the Order, such appeal shall not 
suspend the judgment of expulsion; in case such judgment shall 
be reversed, it shall be the right of the person appealing, within 
twenty days after receiving official notice of such reversal, to 
pay the Financier of the Subordinate Lodge to which he belongs 
all assessments and dues that would have accrued against such 
member during the time of the pendency of such appeal, and 
notice of the reinstatement of his beneficiary certificate shall be 
made, and the same shall be renewed as in case of the renewal 
of the beneficiary certificate of a suspended member. 

Art. XII, Sup. L. Const., par. 3. 


APPEALS, 


21 


4. When an order of expulsion is reversed by the Supreme 
Lodge, the Supreme Recorder shall immediately notify the Grand 
Recorder of the jurisdiction from which the appeal was taken, 
who shall immediately give notice to the person and the Lodge 
from which he was expelled, that upon complying with the re- 
quirements of this section, such person shall be restored to all 
the rights held by him prior to such expulsion; in such case the 
costs of the transcript from the Lodge expelling him shall be 
reimbursed to him by such Lodge. 

Art. XII, Sup. L . Const., par. 4. 

5. Appeals by members — Mode of appeal. Any member considering that 
injustice has been done him by the decision of the Lodge, may, within one 
month thereafter, appeal in writing to the proper officer, or Lodge, if in session, 
stating his reasons. Immediately upon making the appeal, he must notify the 
Lodge from whose decision the appeal is taken, of the fact, and said Lodge shall, 
within one month thereafter, forward to the proper officer, or Lodge, if in session, 
a copy of all minutes relating to the subject, together with the journal and tes- 
timony taken by the committee, certified under the seal of the Lodge — ( See Ap- 
pendix, Form No. 3.) 

6. The member making the appeal must certify to the proper 
officer or Lodge in session that he has notified his Lodge of the 
appeal. Should either party neglect these requirements, the 
appeal may be dismissed to the disadvantage of the Lodge or 
brother. 

Z. 45, Gen . App. 

7. Appeal by Lodge. Any Lodge desiring to take an appeal 
shall do so in the same manner and form as above prescribed. 

Z. 46, Gen. App. 

8. Appeals in general. Under the foregoing constitutional provision and 
laws, appeals may be taken as follows : 

1. Any officer or member of a Subordinate Lodge may appeal from the action 
of his Lodge to the Grand Lodge or to the Supreme Lodge, if his Subordinate 
Lodge is under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge. 

2. Any Subordinate Lodge may appeal from the action of the Grand Lodge 
under whose jurisdiction it is to the Supreme Lodge. 

3. Any member of a Grand Lodge may appeal from the action of such Grand 
Lodge to the Supreme Lodge. 


22 


APPEALS. 



4. When the Grand or Supreme Lodge is not in session, appeals may be taken 
to the Grand or Supreme Master Workman, as the case may be, wherever an 
appeal is allowed to the Grand or Supreme Lodge. 

Digest , 1st Ed., Note 654. 

9. Informal appeal dismissed. Hereafter any appeal from the decision of a 
Grand Lodge or a Grand Master Workman, when not made in conformity with 
Art. XII, Supreme Lodge constitution, shall be dismissed. 

Pro. *]th Ann. Sess. S, L., p. 75. 

10. T o whom taken. An appeal does not lie directly to the Supreme Master 
Workman from the decision of a Grand Master Workman. It must first be 
taken to the Grand Lodge over which such Grand Master Workman presides, 
and from the decision of such Grand Lodge an appeal may be taken to the 
Supreme Lodge or Supreme Master Workman. 

Pro. 2 >th Ann. Sess. Sup. L., 1880,/. 188. 

Pro. 12th Ann. Sess. Sup. L., 1884 , p. 199. 

II Constitutional question. The Master Workman is justified in refusing 
to entertain any questions he believes to be contrary to the constitution. On 
questions of law, the only recourse from the decision of the chair is by appeal to 
the higher authorities. 

Dig. 1st Ed., par. 657. 

12. Question of order. On all questions of order the members of the Lodge 
can appeal to the Lodge from the decision of the Master Workman. 

Rev. Dec. Pa., 91. 

13. Constitutional questions. No appeal from the decision of the Master 
Workman on questions of law arising under the constitution, general laws, or 
decisions of the Grand Master Workman, approved by the Grand Lodge, can be 
submitted to the Subordinate Lodge. The appeal must be made to the Grand 
Master Workman or the Grand Lodge. 

Dig., 1 st Ed., par. 655, Rev. Decisions Pa. 

Pro. G. L. Or. and Wash. 1882 ,p. 47. 

14. From refusal to grant card. A member can appeal from the action of 
his Lodge in refusing to grant him a card, but he must do so within the time 
provided by law for appeals. 

(Under Ohio Const., § 4, Art XVII, the time for appeal from the Subordinate 
Lodge is thirty days.) 

Pro. G. L. Ohio, 1883. , 


APPLICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP. 


23 


15. From disallowance of a bill. An appeal may be taken by a member 
from the action of a Lodge refusing to allow a bill presented by him against it. 

Pro. Ohio G. L . 1883. 

16. A majority vote of the members present is sufficient to sustain an appeal 
from the M. W. unless the by-laws [rules] of the Lodge provide otherwise. 

Pro , G. L. Minn., 1881,^. 20. 

17. Insufficient return. Consideration of an appeal was refused for the 
reason that the return did not show that the Lodge had been notified of the 
appeal, and the record was remitted for correction. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1881,/. 104. 

18. Illinois. The law on appeals, as provided in laws of general application, 
governs Subordinate Lodges. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1879, p. 178. 

19. Question of law. No appeal from the decision of the M. W. on ques- 
tions of law arising under the constitution, general laws, or decisions of the 
G. M. W., approved by the Grand Lodge, can be submitted to the Lodge. This 
appeal must be made to the G. M. W., or the D. D. G. M. W. 

20. Question of order. Members of the Lodge can appeal from the de- 
cision of the M. W. on all questions of order. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 92, 91. 

APPEARANCE. 

See Trial, par 24, 25, 30, 43, etc. 

APPELLATE JURISDICTION. 

1. The Supreme Lodge has appellate jurisdiction from all 
Grand Lodges and from Subordinate Lodges under the imme- 
diate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge. 

Art IV. § 1, Sup. L. Const. 

APPLICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP. 

1. No person shall be admitted to membership in the Order 
except he be a free white male of the full age of twenty-one years, 
and under fifty years of age at the time of receiving the Master 
Workman’s degree; of good moral character, competent to earn a 
livelihood for himself and family, and a believer in the existence 
of a Supreme Being, the creator and preserver of the universe. 

L. 1 of Gen. App. 

As to Qualification of Members, etc., see Membership, etc. 


24 


APPLICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP. 


2. Applications for membership shall be made in writing, 
signed by the applicant, stating his age, occupation and resi- 
dence ; and the applicant must be recommended by two mem- 
bers of the Lodge in good standing. Each application must be 
accompanied with the sum of not less than three dollars, and 
the physician’s certificates, in manner and form as directed by 
the Supreme Lodge. 

Art. II, § 2, Sub. L . Const. 

3. Applications must be signed personally. A person may not authorize 
another to affix his signature to an application for membership or for beneficiary 
certificate. 

Pro. Ohio G. Z., 1883. 

4. In Tennessee the application must also state whether the applicant has 
made similar application to any Lodge of the Order and been rejected. 

Art. II, § 2, Const. Sub. L. Tenn 

5. Ontario. In this jurisdiction the following questions are added to all 
applications for admission, and all beneficiary certificates are subject to them: 

Has the applicant previously applied for admission to any Lodge of the A. O. 
U. W. and been rejected ? If so, when and where ? 

The applicant hereby binds himself not to hypothecate or pledge his bene- 
ficiary certificate as security or collateral security for any debt or obligation in- 
curred by him under a penalty of a forfeiture of the beneficiary certificate, and 
all moneys payable thereunder. 

The applicant agrees and binds himself that any fraud, deceit, misrepresen- 
tation, or knowingly or wilfully false statement herein made, shall also render 
his beneficiary certificate null and void. 

Pro. G. L. Ont., 1883,//. 57-74. 

6. The application fee required to accompany the petition should be handed 
to the Recorder with the petition ; if the latter is received the fee should be paid 
to the Financier as Lodge funds, and by him be handed to the Receiver, who 
should receipt therefor as for other Lodge funds. 

If the applicant should be rejected, the fee should be returned to him by 
drawing an order on the Receiver and payment by him as other Lodge funds are 
disbursed. 

Pro. Sup. Z., Stk Ann. Sess., 1880 ,p. 188. 

7. The application shall be read at a stated meeting of the 
Lodge, entered on the minutes, and referred to a committee of 


APPLICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP. 


25 


three, whose duty it shall be to inquire and report at the next 
stated meeting of the Lodge as to the character and fitness of 
the applicant to become a member. 

Art. II, § 2, Subord. L. Const. 

8. Application not acted upon when received. It is unlawful for any Sub- 
ordinate Lodge to receive an application for membership, refer it and confer the 
degrees on the same evening. 

Pro. G. L. Mich., 1881,/. 22. 

9. Receiving the report of the investigating committee, balloting for candi- 
dates, conferring the J. W. degree and balloting for M. W. degree cannot be 
had on the same evening except in pursuance of properly granted dispensation. 

One week must elapse between election and conferring the Master Workman’s 
degree, during which time the candidate must be notified by the Recorder of 
his election to membership. 

Pro. Penna. G. L., 1883,/. 22. 

10. Ballot not to be taken. A ballot cannot be taken on the application 
of a candidate on the same night it is received. 

Pro. G. L. Ont., 1884, p. 74. 

11. General requirements before ballot. No applicant can be received un- 
less the application (blank form prescribed) is signed by the applicant, accompanied 
by the certificate of the Medical Examiner, and not until the investigating com- 
mittee appointed by the Lodge have reported favorably and signed the report. 
A record of these facts should be made on the minutes. It is also incumbent on 
the committee to see that the application and Medical Examiner’s certificate are 
in proper form, and also to investigate fully as to the fitness of the applicant to 
become a member, both morally and physically ; and the Master Workman and 
the Recorder, through whose hands all papers must pass, are required to see that 
the provisions of the law are strictly complied with before a ballot is taken. — 
(Order of S. M. W., approved by S. L.) 

Pro. 6 th Ann. Suss. S. L., pp. 343, 362. 

12. Application must be referred. A Lodge cannot receive a candidate on 
motion without a prior reference of the application to a committee, and their 
report. 

Pro. G. L. III. 1879 ,p, 179- 

13. Notifying other Lodges of application. On this subject there is no 
general law. It is regulated by the different grand jurisdictions. 

Big., istBd., par. 493. 


26 


APPLICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP. 


14. Extension of time of committee. Where an application for membership 
is regularly referred to a committee, who, the night their report is due, ask for 
two weeks’ further time, and no objection being made, such additional time is 
granted, and at the expiration of one week, instead of two, such committee 
report, the majority favorably, the minority adversely, and the ballot being 
spread, the candidate is elected : 

Held that such report and ballot is not illegal. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1880,/. 162. 

15. Second application. A candidate having been elected in one Lodge, but 
having taken no degrees, can, notwithstanding, be accepted in another Lodge 
within six months, without permission of the first; but he forfeits his applica- 
tion fee. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1879. 

16. Second application. Where a candidate having been accepted in one 
Lodge removes into the jurisdiction of another, and the former refuses to per- 
mit a withdrawal of the petition, he can, nevertheless, join the latter, first for- 
feiting his application fee by not presenting himself for initiation for four suc- 
cessive meetings. 

Pro . G. L., N. Y., 1880. 

17. Application for membership on deposit of clearance card. 

See Clearance Card, par. 14, 17, 33, etc. 

18. Failure to appear. Section 3, Art. II, Sup. L. Const, of Tennessee, 
provides that, should an elected applicant fail or neglect to present himself for 
initiation for four stated meetings after notice, unless prevented by sickness or 
unavoidable circumstances, his fee is forfeited, and he stands as a rejected appli- 
cant. 

19. Withdrawal of application. There is no general law upon this subject. 
It is regulated by constitutional provisions in some jurisdictions and by decisions 
in others. After an application has been referred to a committee, it is the 
property of the Lodge, and can only be withdrawn by consent of the Lodge. 
In some jurisdictions this consent is required to be unanimous ; in others a ma- 
jority vote is sufficient to grant it. After an unfavorable report of the commit- 
tee an application cannot be withdrawn, as the applicant has then been rejected, 
and must be so declared and reported. 

Dig. , \st Ed., p. 497. 

Pro. G. L. Col . 1882, l>. 18. 

i) ♦ 

20. If the report be favorable, the applicant shall be balloted 
for. If the report be unfavorable, he shall be declared rejected. 


APPLICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP. 


27 


If a ballot is taken and the balls are all white, or only one black 
ball appears, the applicant shall be declared elected. If there 
shall appear two or more black balls, the applicant shall be de- 
clared rejected, and no other balloting for the same applicant 
shall take place for the space of six months thereafter, unless 
the objectors shall withdraw their objection ; in which event, 
another ballot may be taken after notice thereof shall have been 
given at one stated meeting preceding. 

Art II, § 2, Sub. L. Const. 

21. Unless the objectors withdraw their objection. It is presumed that 
the term “objectors,” as used in § 2, Art. II, Sub. L. Const., refers particularly to 
those who cast a black ball when the vote was taken upon the application for 
membership, but its meaning has been extended. 

Some Grand Lodges have made provisions for giving notice of an application 
for membership by the Subordinate Lodge receiving the same to all other Lodges 
of the Order located in the city, town or village, or (as in this) in the county. 

In such cases objections by other Lodges or members may be filed, and an 
unfavorable ballot following such filing may be renewed on the subsequent 
withdrawal of such objections by those who made them, pursuant to an express 
law. The practice varies in the jurisdiction where such provisions exist. 

22. Admission of applicant. It is the privilege of a Lodge to protest 
against the admission of an applicant, giving its reasons for doing so. 

The committee to whom is referred the application must investigate the state- 
ments made in the protest, and report to the Lodge according to their finding ; 
but the fact that a protest is entered is not sufficient cause to prevent the admis- 
sion of an applicant. 

Pro. G. L. III.., 1884, p. 664. 

23. The rejection of a candidate by the physician excludes the applicant 
for six months, the same as rejection by ballot. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1880 , p. 30. 

24. Should an applicant be rejected, the proposition fee shall be 
returned immediately to the member by whom he was proposed. 
An applicant who has been elected shall be notified of his elec- 
tion by the Recorder, within six days thereafter, and should he 
fail or neglect to present himself for initiation or admission 
for four stated meetings of the Lodge, after being duly notified 


28 


APPOINTMENTS, 


of his election (unless prevented by sickness or some other un- 
avoidable occurrence), he shall forfeit his proposition fee. 

§ 3, Art. II., Const. Sub. L. 

25. Renewal of application. No Lodge other than the Lodge to which 
application was first made can entertain an application that has once been re- 
jected, unless consent be given under the seal of said Lodge. 

Penna. Rev. Dec. (22.) 

26. Application for membership must be made to the Lodge located in the 
place of residence of the applicant, unless the applicant has the written consent 
of such Lodge to join elsewhere. 

Penna. Rev. Dec. (1) p. 3, 4 th Ann. S.,p. 23. 

27. A rejected candidate cannot join another Lodge within six months, nor 
can he join another Lodge at any time, without the consent of the Lodge in 
which he was rejected. 

Pro. G. L . Penna. , 1883, /. 22. 

28. Renewal of application. No Lodge except the Lodge to which applica- 
tion was first made can entertain an application that has once been rejected, 
unless the consent of such rejecting Lodge is first obtained, under the seal 
thereof. The foregoing rule is also applicable to one who, having been once re- 
jected, desires to become a charter member of a new Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Ore. and Wash., 1S83, p. 46, 

29. Application, where made. Application for membership must, in 
general, be made to the nearest Lodge of the jurisdiction. 

See Residence. 

30. Application fee. See Degree Fee, par. 24, 26, et seq. 

31. A suspended member cannot come back as a new member. 

Once a member and out , he becomes a suspended member, and can only be 
restored as such under the provisions of the beneficiary law. (§ § 11, 12 and 
13, Ben. Law of N. Y.) 

Pro. G. L. N. V., 1883,/. 16. 

See Age. 

32. Medical Examination, etc., par. n, 12, 15, etc. 

33. Application for Advancement. See Junior Workman. 

APPOINTMENTS. 

I. Appointments. The Master Workman can and should make pro tem. 
appointments in case officers are absent. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1879. 

See Quorum. 


ARREARAGES. 


29 


APPOINTMENTS— Pro Tem. 

1. Where officers are absent at roll-call, and their places are filled pro tem., 
and such regular officers subsequently arrive, they must occupy their stations. 
The pro tem. appointments in such cases do not continue. 

Pro. G. L. 111 ., 1879 , p. 180. 

2. Appointment of Financiers. The Master Workman should appoint a 
Financier pro tem. when the Financier is absent. 

Pro. G. L. Pa., 1883,/. 25. 

3. Officers assume stations on appearance. Officers who are absent at 
roll-call, but who enter during the meeting, should thereupon assume their offi- 
cial stations in place of the pro tem. officers. 

Pro. G. L. Kansas, 1880 , p. 11. 

Appointment of Committees. See titles of various committees. 

Appointment of Deputies, See Deputies, etc. 

Appointment of Tellers. See Election. 

Appropriations. See Moneys. 

ARREARAGES. 

1. No Grand Lodge shall be instituted until all the Subordi- 
nate Lodges in the State, District or Territory, petitioning for a 
Grand Lodge, shall have paid all arrearages to the Supreme 
Lodge. 

Law 14 App. to Grand Lodges. 

2. Tender of arrears by third person. The Lodge must receive the ar- 
rearages of assessments when tendered within three months from the date of 
forfeiture, even though it be tendered by another person than the brother. (See 
minutes of ninth semi-annual session, Pa.) 

Penna. Rev. Dec. 148. 

3. When in arrears. A brother is in arrears to the amount of three 
months’ dues immediately following the day when three months’ dues become 
due, if they are not then paid. 

Pro. G. L. Kansas, 1881,/. 91. 

4. Lodges must send all arrearages of assessments to the Grand Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Ill , 1883,/. 489. 

5. Arrearages of beneficiary assessment. See Beneficiary Assessment, 
Art. VIII, Sup. Lodge Const. 

6. Reinstatement. Par. 3, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 20, etc. 


30 


ASSESSMENTS. 


ASSESSMENTS. 

1. Assessments, when and how ordered. No order shall 
be made by the Supreme Recorder upon the beneficiary fund in 
the Subordinate Lodges until there is less than two thousand 
dollars in the beneficiary fund in the Supreme Lodge, nor 
shall any such order be made except with the approval of the 
Supreme Lodge Finance Committee. 

Sup. L Const., Art. VIII, § 16. 

2. Note. — In Grand Lodges set apart as separate beneficial 
jurisdictions, the provisions of the above apply to the Grand 
Recorder and Grand Lodge Finance Committee. 

See Sup. L. Const., Art. VII. 

Note. — See Ben. Art. N. Y. § 14. 

3. Note. — Where Grand Lodges are established and not set apart as 
separate beneficiary jurisdictions, the notice is sent by the Supreme Recorder to 
the Grand Recorder, who notifies the Subordinate Lodges in his jurisdiction. In 
Grand Lodges set apart as separate jurisdictions, the Grand Recorder performs 
the duties assigned in the beneficiary article to the Supreme Recorder. 

4. Consecutively numbered. Assessment notices shall be numbered con- 
secutively during the year. 

See title Fiscal Year, par. 1. 

5. Assessments for beneficiary fund, how numbered. The Supreme Re- 
corder shall number death and assessment notices, commencing with No. 1, and 
so continuing during the fiscal year ; and deaths shall be placed, as near as may 
be, on the call for assessments in the order of time that the deaths occurred, and 
not in the order they are received at the Supreme Recorder’s office. 

Pro. 7th Ann. Sess. S. L.,p. 70. 

6. Note. — This provision has been adopted by nearly all of the Grand Lodges, 
and may be considered as a rule of general application where no other law is 
laid down in the constitution of the Grand Lodge. Convenience in the system 
of reports and the requirements of the relief law render a uniform rule desirable. 

7. Note. — Surplus of assessments. If an assessment in any beneficiary 
jurisdiction brings into the beneficiary fund a sufficient amount to pay off one or 
more certificates in addition to the one for which the assessment was made, such 
additional certificates are paid from the surplus. 


ASSESSMENTS. 


31 


8. Assessments, when and how made. Each Subordinate 
Lodge shall , upon receipt of a notice of death make an assess- 
ment of one dollar upon each member holding a certificate , or having 
received the Master Workman's degree (provided such member 
has received his certificate or Master Workman’s degree prior 
to the date of the death on which the assessment is made). 

W ntten or printed notices of assessments shall be made and sent by 
the Financier not later than the 8th day of the month in which 
the notice was issued by the Supreme Recorder, and not later 
than the 28th day of said month in which said notice of assess- 
ment was given. 

Clause 2, § 8, Art. VIII, Sup. L. Const. 

9. Note . — Semi-monthly meetings. The constitution requires that notices 
of assessment shall be sent out by the Financier not later than the 8th of the 
month, and that the assessment shall be paid not later than the 28th day of the 
month. If any brother fails to pay his assessment on or before the 28th day of 
the month, his certificate is held suspended. This rule is in no way changed, if 
a Lodge meets semi-monthly instead of weekly. In all cases the Financier 
must send the notices not later than the 8th of the month, and the assessment 
must be paid as above stated. It is each brother’s duty to see that his assess- 
ment is paid into the Lodge on or before the 28th day of the month ; otherwise 
his certificate is held suspended without any action of the Lodge. The fact that 
the meetings are fortnightly or semi-monthly makes no change as to time of 
payment. 

10. No charge of an assessment is made against a member on the Finan- 
cier’s book. The form of book adopted by the Supreme Lodge is arranged with a 
column for each assessment. The number of the assessment being placed at 
the head of a column and the date entered, the assessment then stands “entered 
against ” each brother whose name is on the list in the book. As each one pays, 
the amount is entered opposite his name, in the proper column, showing on 
what assessment it has been paid. 

11. Notices of assessments, like all other communications to Subordi- 
nate Lodges, are in general sent to the Recorder. In Pennsylvania, however, by 
resolution of the Grand Lodge, the Grand Recorder sends the notices of assess- 
ments directly to the Financiers of Subordinate Lodges, so that there may be 
no delay in the issue of notice to the members by the Financier. 

This is also done in New York and other jurisdictions. 


32 


ASSESSMENTS. 


12. Advance assessment. A member when he applies for the Master Work- 
man degree pays one dollar into the beneficiary fund, but is not liable for fur- 
ther payment until an assessment is made upon a death occurring after the date 
at which he received such degree. The one dollar which he pays in as above is 
not forwarded from the Subordinate Lodge until notice is received of an assess- 
ment made upon a death which has occurred after such date. It is then for- 
warded with the rest of the fund on hand, and he is assessed with the other 
members to replace the fund. 

13. Members of a new lodge who received the Master Workman degree at 
the time of its organization are liable for assessments on all deaths occurring 
after such organization, and all other members are liable for assessments on 
deaths occurring after they received the said degree. 

14. Members liable on what deaths. A member is required to pay assess- 
ments on all deaths occurring after he has received the Master Workman degree, 
whether he actually has the beneficiary certificate in his possession or not. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 250-252. 

15. Note . — Liability of member to assessments. A brother is not liable for 
any assessment (except a relief assessment) made on a death occurring previous 
to the time he received the Master Workman degree. The one dollar which he 
pays into the beneficiary fund when he receives that degree is a deposit or ad- 
vance payment, and is not forwarded immediately to the Supreme or Grand Re- 
corder, but is held in the Subordinate Lodge until a call is made on a death oc- 
curring after that date. The Financier enters this deposit opposite the brother’s 
name, either in a column in his book provided for that purpose, or makes a pen- 
cil entry as a memorandum. When notice is received by the Lodge of an as- 
sessment made on a death occurring after the date at which the new brother re- 
ceived the Master Workman degree, his advance payment is then added by the 
Financier to the amount in the column showing the amount of the beneficiary 
fund which is to be forwarded on the notice received, and it is remitted by the 
Receiver to the Supreme or Grand Recorder. The brother is then assessed with 
all the other members of the Lodge, to replace the fund, ready for the next 
call. The one dollar which he pays at first is carried forward as a deposit, and is 
eventually applied as a final assessment on his own certificate when it becomes 
payable by his death ; or it goes into the general beneficiary fund if his certifi- 
cate is annulled by his withdrawal, suspension or expulsion from the Order, or 
transfer of his membership from one separate beneficiary jurisdiction to 
another. When a brother transfers his membership from one Lodge to 
another in the same beneficiary jurisdiction, this one payment, which is always 
to his credit in the beneficiary fund when he has paid all assessments made 
upon him, is transferred to the Lodge in which he deposits his card. 


ASSESSMENTS. 


33 


1 6. More than single assessment. Should two or more 
notices of assessments be received at the same time, the Subordi- 
nate Lodge shall immediately forward the beneficiary fund on 
hand, as hereinbefore provided, which amount shall pay one 
notice. 

On or before the first day of the following month it shall for- 
ward to the Supreme Recorder one dollar for each valid certifi- 
cate so held at that time under its jurisdiction for each remain- 
ing notice. 

Clause 4, Art. VIII, § 8. (Ben. Art.) 

17. Note . — The operation of the above provision is as follows : When notice of 
two or more assessments is received by the Subordinate Lodge, the Receiver, 
through the Recorder, immediately forwards the beneficiary fund on hand, 
which amounts to one dollar for each member whose certificate is not reported 
on the monthly report as being held suspended, and such sums as may have 
been received for beneficiary certificates renewed, as appears by said report. 
This report, which is made by the Recorder at the close of the month, shows the 
number of beneficiary certificates in force in the Lodge, and those which have 
been “suspended, annulled, withdrawn or renewed.” It therefore shows the 
exact amount of the beneficiary fund which is on hand at the close of the 
month, and this is the amount the Receiver forwards. (Any sums received for 
renewal of certificates or otherwise after the report is closed, are to be entered 
in the next report and included in the next remittance.) The remittance made 
as above by the Receiver pays the first notice, or assessment. Notices are then 
sent to the members to pay in one dollar each on each assessment of which the 
Lodge has been notified. These notices must be issued not later than the 8th 
day of the month, and the members are required to pay in their assessments not 
later than the 28th day of the month, in default of which payment their certifi- 
cates stand suspended. The Recorder then (on or before the first of the next 
month) makes up the report of all certificates thus held suspended, and of any 
that have been renewed, annulled or withdrawn during the month. The Re- 
ceiver at the same time forwards the second remittance under the call, which will 
be one dollar for each valid certificate in force at that date , for each remaining as- 
sessment after the first, and also such sums as have been received for beneficiary 
certificates renewed. The remittance must correspond in amount with the facts 
shown in the report. By the above statements it will be seen : 

That the Lodge is required to pay only on such certificates as are not held 

suspended. 

The monthly report made by the Recorder should show the exact status of 

3 


34 


ASSESSMENTS. 


each beneficiary certificate held in the Lodge, and the Supreme or Grand Re- 
corder can at once determine the amount of beneficiary money which should be 
forwarded by the Lodge. 

The first assessment having been paid by the first remittance under the notice, 
the second remittance will leave in the beneficiary fund of the Subordinate 
Lodge one dollar for each beneficiary certificate not reported as held suspended. 

The business connected with each assessment is entirely closed each month, 
and report made thereof, so that on the first day of each month the beneficiary 
Fund in the Subordinate Lodge is ready for the draft that may be made upon it 
for that month. 

When only one notice of assessment is received, the second remittance does 
not, of course, have to be made, the Lodge simply collecting one assessment to 
replace the beneficiary fund which has been forwarded. 

18. Dollar to be forwarded on death, etc. Upon the death or final with- 
drawal of a brother holding a beneficiary certificate, or the annulling of a 
brother’s certificate by the Lodge, the one dollar deposited in the beneficiary 
fund in the Lodge belongs to the general beneficiary fund, and must be for- 
warded to the Grand Recorder upon the first draft upon said fund thereafter. 

19. When arrearages are to be forwarded. Any arrearages 
to the beneficiary fund, paid into the Subordinate Lodge, shall 
be forwarded by the Receiver to the Supreme (or Grand) Recor- 
der, upon the first order upon said fund thereafter. 

Sup. L. Const., Art. VIII, § 9. 

20. Note . — Before a brother whose certificate has been suspended or who has 
been suspended from the Order, becomes reinstated to his rights under his cer- 
tificate, he is required to pay into the Subordinate Lodge the amount he was in 
arrears on assessments at the time of suspension or up to the time of reinstate- 
ment, according to the law in each case. The sums so paid in are the “ arrear- 
ages ” referred to in the above Section. 

21. All assessments to be paid before the 28th of the month. In case of 
the receipt of two or more notices at the same time, the Lodge forwards “ one 
dollar for each valid certificate, and such sums as may have been received for cer- 
tificates renewed,” to the Grand or Supreme Recorder. The Lodge then sends 
notice of each death to each member who has received the Master Workman’s 
degree prior to the death, and the member must pay the assessment or assess- 
ments on or before the 28th day of the month. The number of assessments does 
not extend the time of payment. Two or more assessments made at the same 
time must be paid in the same time that one would. The Lodge, in case of two 


ASSESSMENTS. 


35 


or more assessments, is bound to forward a sufficient sum to pay them before 
the first of the following month. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 256. 

22. Any Subordinate Lodge failing or declining to make re- 
turns as above, so as to insure their receipt by the Supreme Re- 
corder during the first week of each month, shall again be noti- 
fied by the Supreme or Grand Recorder, and said second notice 
shall be mailed to the Master Workman, the Foreman, the Re- 
corder, and, if there be one, the District Deputy of such Lodge 
in arrears, and should such returns fail to be made within one 
week from the date of said second notice, all certificates under 
the jurisdiction of said Lodge shall stand suspended until said 
returns are made. 

Clause 4, § 8, Art. VIII. 

23. Where two assessments are made they must be paid by the 28th day 
of the month, and the certificate of a member who fails to pay by that date 
stands suspended without action of the Lodge. 

24 Entry of assessments and suspension thereunder. 

The Financier of each Subordinate Lodge shall keep a book, 
wherein all assesments of the beneficiary fund shall be entered 
against each member holding a valid certificate ; such entry 
shall be made bearing date of the first meeting night, and not 
later than the 8th day of the month in which said notice was 
received. On the day succeeding the 28th day of said month, 
he shall furnish the Recorder of the Lodge with the names of 
the members who are in arrears on such assessment, and the 
Recorder shall place the same on the minutes of the Lodge, 
and mark such certificates as suspended on the certificate reg- 
ister-book, affixing the date thereto. 

1st Clause, § 9, Art. VIII., Sup. L. Const. 

25. Payment of assessments, by Lodge, of delinquent member. The 
Lodge has the privilege of paying the assessments for any delinquent member. 
In such cases the amount so paid must be included in the order drawn in favor 
of the Grand (or Supreme) Recorder. 

Pro. 3 d Ann. Sess. S. L ,p. 89. 


36 


ASSESSMENTS. 


26. Note . — When the Lodge pays an assessment for a delinquent member 
under the above decision, a warrant for the amount should be ordered, as Gen- 
eral Law No. 29 provides that “No money shall be paid out of the general 
fund of any Subordinate Lodge except upon orders drawn upon the Receiver.” 

Dig. 1st Ed., par. 260. 

This should be read in connection with the title “ General Fund.” 

By reference to this it will be seen that the general fund is not to be used 
except in cases where the principles of charity may govern, or for the general 
purposes of the Lodge. 

27. Assessments not to be received from member suspended for non- 
payment of dues. After a member has been suspended for non-payment of 
dues, the Lodge cannot receive his beneficiary assessments until he has paid up 
his dues and is reinstated. 

28. Note . — As the only kind of suspension provided in the laws of the Order 
for non-payment of dues is total suspension, or suspension from the Order, and a 
member thus suspended forfeits all claims to the beneficiary fund, it is clear 
that the Lodge should neither send him notice of assessments nor receive any 
assessments from him until he has been reinstated according to the laws of 
the Order. 

As soon as the beneficiary fund of the Lodge (equal to $1.00 for each Master 
Workman degree member) has been sent along with the beneficiary returns to 
the Grand or Supreme Recorder in response to the death notice, then the 
Financier sends out notice of assessment to each member, who, to keep himself 
in good standing, must, on or before the 2Sth of the month, pay the assessment 
or assessments to the Financier. Great care should be taken by the Financier 
to personally attend to the addressing and stamping of these notices if sent through 
the post-office. In case of any claim against the Order on behalf of the bene- 
ficiaries of a brother who is suspended, it might be necessary to prove the send- 
ing of the notice to him, properly addressed, and postage prepaid. For, in the 
absence of other provisions, “unless notice is handed to the brother personally or 
properly deposited in the post-office, the brother cannot be legally suspended. 
Each Financier should first address and stamp the notices from his list of mem- 
bers, and after having done so, he should check the notices so prepared with his 
list, so that he can swear positively that he mailed the notices to correspond 
with his list. Too much care cannot be taken in this respect. The Financier 
should note the names of all those who fail to pay before the 29th as suspended, 
and report the same at the first meeting of the Lodge thereafter. All brothers 
who have not paid the assessment or assessments, if there be more than one, on 
or before the 28th of the month, stand suspended, and no report to the Lodge is 


ASSESSMENTS. 


87 


necessary to complete the suspensiQn, nor can the brother be reinstated except in 
the manner hereinafter stated.” 

Notes of information for Sub. L. officer. Kansas. 

29. The Financier can issue notice of assessment to members of the 
Lodge previous to the notice from the Grand Recorder being read in the Lodge; 
but said notice must bear date of the first meeting night in the month. — Ibid., 87. 

30. A brother in arrears for beneficiary assessments, and having enough 
money to his credit on the books of the Lodge as dues, cannot be suspended. The 
Lodge must transfer a sufficient amount to pay the assessments due. — Ibid., 99. 

31. Financiers must keep a record of the beneficiary payments in manner 
and form prescribed by the Grand Lodge, keeping said record in the Financier’s 
beneficiary book entirely separate and distinct from Lodge funds, taking sep- 
arate receipts for the beneficiary and Lodge funds from the Receiver, and mak- 
ing no charge of assessments against a certificate until such assessments shall 
have been paid. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 36. 

32. The advance beneficiary assessment should be sent during the first 
week of the month. 

If this can be done after the Lodge meeting night, the payment should be 
ordered by the Lodge, but if this cannot be done the advance assessment must 
be forwarded by authority of the Master Workman, or in accordance with a res- 
olution where such has been adopted by the Lodge. 

In the absence of the Master Workman the Foreman has authority to sign any 
report. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1884,/. 664. 

33. The not less than seven dollars required to reinstate a brother sus- 
pended for over six months belongs to the Beneficiary Fund, and must be for- 
warded to the Supreme [or Grand] Recorder with the next assessment. 

Pro. Sup. L ., 12 th Ann. Sess., 1884. 

34. Assessment collected on deposit of card. The Lodge in which a former 
member deposits his final card must collect from him the one dollar advance 
beneficiary assessment, as from a new member. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1884. 

35. (New York.) A member suspended by a Lodge not within the juris- 
diction of this State is not eligible to membership here until reinstated by 
his own Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1884. 


38 


ASSESSMENTS. 


36. A member reinstated after six months’ suspension is not liable to 
assessments for deaths occurring prior to his reinstatement. 

Pro. G. L. Md ., N. J. and Del ., 1884. 

37. Death of member pending assessment. A Lodge is liable to the 
Grand Lodge for the assessment of a brother who dies pending its collection. 

But in case they have not collected it and cannot collect it, they are not re- 
quired to pay the amount to the Grand Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Md, ., Del. and N. J., 1884. 

38. Liability, when it commences. A brother is not liable to assessment on 
a death which occurred on the same day he received the Master Workman degree. 

Pro. G. L. Tenn., 1879 , p. 57. 

Pro. G. L. Aid., N. J. and Del., 1883 , p. 17. 

Pa. Rev. Dec., No. 28. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1880 , p. 164. 

39. Requisite of notice. The assessment notice need not bear either the 
date of the Grand Recorder’s notice or that of the first meeting night of the 
Lodge after its receipt. 

It is the Grand Recorder’s duty to issue the notices on the first of each month, 
and it is the duty of the Financier to issue them not later than the 8th. 

He should not wait for a Lodge meeting to intervene, but should issue them 
as soon as they reach him. 

The twenty days’ grace expire on the 28th day of each month. 

Pro. G. L. of Tenn., 1879,/. 12. 

40. Seal not necessary. It is not necessary that assessment notices should 
be under seal of the Subordinate Lodge to make them legal. 

Ohio G. L., 1882 , p. 10. 

III. G. L ., 1880 , p. 160. 

41. A written notice mailed through the post-office to the address of a 
brother is a legal notification to such brother of assessments due. 

Pro. G. L. Md., N. J. and Del., 1883 , p. 17. 

42. Notice to suspended member not required. The Financier is not 
required to send notices of- assessment to any member whose beneficiary cer- 
tificate is suspended by reason of his failure to pay any previous assessment. 

Pro. G. L. lex., 1882 , p. 8. 

43. Notice of assessment. Assessment notices should be regularly served 
upon those whose beneficiary certificates have become suspended for the period 
of three months following such suspension. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y. , 1881. 

Note. — Since the foregoing decision, the law under which it was made has 
been changed. 


ASSESSMENTS. 


39 


44* Law — Notice, By the rules the Supreme Reporter, as 
each assessment was made, was required to send a notification 
thereof to each Subordinate Lodge, and the Reporter of that 
Lodge was required to notify each individual member. By 
another provision, each member shall be notified by the Reporter 
of this Lodge of said death, which shall be official and sufficient 
notice to every member of this Lodge. Each member shall pay 
the amount due, on the notice of the Reporter of this Lodge, 
within thirty days from the date such notice (from the Supreme 
Reporter) was read in open Lodge, and any member failing to 
pay such assessment within thirty days shall be suspended from 
this Lodge. It not appearing that plaintiff was present at the 
time of the suspension, nor when the notification from the Su- 
preme Lodge was received and read in Lodge, if, indeed, it was 
so read at all, it was held that he could not be suspended for 
non-payment of an assessment until after notice of such assess- 
ment was given to him. 

Knights of Honor vs. Johnson, 78 Ind., no. 

45. Notice, sufficiency Of. Where the by-laws require per- 
sonal notice to be given in order to work a forfeiture of a mem- 
ber’s rights, actual notice must be given; therefore, a construct- 
ive notice — e. g., by mail — is insufficient. 

Brattleboro East Society vs. Reed, 42 Vt . , 76. 

46. In the absence of any agreement by the member, or 
any provision in the charter or by-laws, for a different mode of 
service, it should be made personally, as required by the com- 
mon law, where the object is to deprive a party of his rights or 
property; or if that can be dispensed with, then in such other 
mode as will be most likely to effect its object. 

Per Danforth, J., in Wachtel vs. Noah Widow’s, &c. Society, 84 N. Y., 
28; 60 How., 424. 

47. Notice. A by-law provided for giving written notice to 
any member in arrears six months for dues, calling his attention 


40 


ASSESSMENTS. 


to the fact that he will be stricken from the roll in case he fails 
to pay his dues within a time specified. 

Another by-law imposed a fine for an omission of a member 
to give notice to the association of a change of residence. At 
the time of joining, plaintiff’s intestate gave notice of his then 
place of residence; he subsequently changed his residence, but 
did not give notice. Because of failure to pay his dues he was 
stricken from the rolls. No notice was given him as provided by 
the by-laws. In an action brought to recover the sum provided 
by defendant’s by-laws to be paid on the death of a member, it 
was ruled that the omission of the deceased to give notice of a 
change of residence was no excuse for neglecting to give him 
the prescribed notice. There was nothing to show that the ob- 
ject of the information as to residence was to enable defendant 
to serve its notice at that place, or that the deceased agreed that 
it might be left at his house. And since a penalty was fixed for 
neglect to give notice of a change of residence, it would lead 
to an unjust result, if there should be added a forfeiture of the 
whole benefit to which a member or his representatives are en- 
titled. 

Wachtel vs. Noah Widow’s, &c., Society, 84 N. Y., 28; to How., 424; 

9 Daly , 476. 

48. Notice. A stipulation in a life policy, making it a con- 
dition precedent to the continuance of the policy that the insured 
will pay a certain assessment within thirty days after he has been 
notified by written notice, deposited in the post-office, etc., is 
valid, and will be enforced; and proof that the insured never 
received the notice does not relieve him from the consequences 
of non-payment. 

Epstein vs. Mutual Aid and Life Ins. Co., 28 Louis Ann. Rep., 938. 

49. Notice. The by-law of a society provided that no member 
should be expelled until he had been notified to appear and show 
cause. The plaintiff received no notice until after a fine had 
been imposed upon him for an alleged misconduct, and that 
notice was simply to appear and pay the fine, or show cause. He 


ASSESSMENTS. 


41 


was tried by a committee of the society without notice of the 
charge on which he was fined, or opportunity given to him to 
defend himself against it. Held, that this could not upon gen- 
eral principles, or under the by-laws, justify his expulsion. 

People ex rel. Doyle vs. N. Y. Benev. Soc., 6 Thomp. and Cook , 85; 3 
How , 361. See, also, People ex rel. Schmitt vs. Saint Franciscus, 24 
How , 216; Sleeper vs. Franklin Lyceum, 7 R. I., 523. 

50. If the constitution and by-laws provide that a member 
shall be entitled to twenty-four hours’ notice before his expulsion, 
and it is not given or waived, and the expulsion takes place in the 
absence of the member, he may recover damages “to the extent 
of the injury;” a less notice than that prescribed is insufficient, 
at least, unless the party appears and defends or waives the 
irregularity. 

Washington Beneficial Society vs. Bacher, 20 Penn., 425. 

51. On reinstatement. The liability of a member whose beneficiary cer- 
tificate has been annulled more than six months to pay assessments recommences 
with the first assessment made to pay the'death loss occurring after his reinstate, 
ment. 

Pro. G. L. Kansas , 1882,/. 12. 

52. Pending assessment. A brother is suspended on assessment No. 45. 

Within two weeks thereafter he pays assessment 45, but before such payment 

assessments 46 and 47 are issued. He cannot be reinstated except on payment 
of the latter assessments. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1882 ,p. 368. 

53. Pending assessment. A member suspended for more than three months 
and less than six months must pay Medical Examiner’s fees and all assessments 
up to the date of restoration, including the pending assessment. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1883, Decision 18. 

54. Liability to assessment before medical certificate is approved. The 

application for beneficiary certificate by one who had received the Master Work- 
man degree was rejected by the Chief Medical Examiner for imperfect physical 
qualification; but this rejection was subsequently reconsidered, and, upon a new 
statement of facts, the application was granted. 

Held that the applicant should pay all arrears of assessments accruing subse- 
quent to receiving the Master Workman degree. 

Pro. G. L. Ont., 1881 , p. 54 - 


42 


ASSESSMENTS. 


55. A Lodge cannot carry a member in arrears for assessments, unless 
the member has money enough to his credit on the books of the Lodge, when the 
Lodge must transfer enough to pay the assessment due. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1879,/. 180. 

56. A Lodge can pay the assessment of a member either as a loan or 
otherwise out of the general fund by a vote of the Lodge, but that practice is 
not advised. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1880 , p. 160. 

57. Advance payment of beneficiary assessment. Where a brother pays 
the Financier several assessments in advance, and the money is placed in the 
general fund of the Lodge, the Master Workman cannot direct an order to be 
drawn to pay an assessment ; this must be done by vote of the Lodge. 

58. Should be placed in beneficiary fund. Money thus placed in the 
hands of the Financier should not be paid into the general fund of the Lodge. 
It can be placed in the beneficiary fund as so many advance assessments for 
the brother. 

59. If money is left with the Financier to pay as assessments come 
due, he holds it as an individual, and not in his official capacity as Financier. 

Pro. G. L. Penna , 1883, p. 22. 

60. Assessment cannot be increased by the addition of a percentage for 
collection outside the Lodge-room. 

See By-Laws. 

61. Enforced only by suspension. The laws of the Order provide no 
method of enforcing payment of assessments other than by the suspension of 
beneficiary certificates. — Pa. Rev. Dec. 183. 

62. A Lodge cannot pay a member’s assessments, charge it to his ac- 
count, and thereby make him liable to suspension for dues. — Ibid., 184. 

63. If a Lodge pays a member’s assessments it must be by warrant on 
the general fund, and the payment of the same left to the brother’s sense of 
duty. (See minutes eleventh annual session.) — Ibid., 185. 

64. Liability on joining by card. A brother, joining by card from 
another beneficiary jurisdiction, is liable to assessment upon the first death upon 
which an assessment is issued, occurring after his card has been accepted. 

Pro. G. L. Ore. and Wash., 1881, p. ij. 

65. Money lost in transitu. In case a Lodge sends the assessments to 


ASSESSMENTS. 


43 


the Grand Recorder by express, and the money is never received by him, the 
Lodge must remit the amount again and look to the express company. 

Pro . G. L. III., 1883 .A 488. 

See Agency, par. 1. 

66. It is not necessary that the Lodge direct an order to be drawn on 
the Receiver for the amount of the beneficiary fund to be remitted on the as- 
sessment. 

Pro. G. L. Hansas, 1880,/. 11. 

67. Assessments not payable from general fund. A resolution to pay 
t\\ o assessments upon all the members of the Lodge out of the general fund 
of the Lodge is illegal. Relief calls can be paid out of the general fund. 

Pro. G. L. Pa., 1883,//. 22, 27, no. 

See General Fund, par. 2, 4, 5, 8, etc. 

68. On deceased member. A Lodge is not liable for an assessment against 
a deceased member called for after the death of such member, although the 
brother upon whose death the assessment is levied died previous to the death of 
such member of such Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Ohio, 1883. 

69. When a Lodge meets semi-monthly and the first meeting is in the 
second week of the month, the Financier should issue assessment notices before 
the meeting of the Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Mich., 1881 , p. 19. 

70. Extension of time. A Lodge cannot extend the time to its members 
within which to pay assessments. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1879. 

71. A motion to extend the time of paying assessments should be declared 
out of order by the Master Workman. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1883, p. 490. 

72. Before beneficiary certificate issued. A member is liable to assess- 
ment on all deaths occurring after he has received the M. W. degree, regardless 
of the fact that he was not in possession of his beneficiary certificate. 

Pro. G. L. Tenn., 1879 , p. 12. 

73. Unpaid assessment at time of death. The amount due to the ben- 
eficiary named in the certificate of a deceased brother is chargeable with all un- 
paid assessments levied before the death of the brother, and the amount of 
such unpaid assessments should be retained when the certificate is paid. 

Wis. G. L ., 1879. 


44 


ASSESSMENTS. 


74. Assessment unpaid at time of death. The beneficiary (payee named 
in certificate) of a brother dying on the 9th is liable to pay an assessment levied 
on the 1st ; although the deceased brother was not compelled to pay before the 
28th of the month, the assessment was due at date of levy. 

Pro. G. L. Maryland , N. J ., and Del., 1882,/. 19. 

75. Liability. A member is liable to assessment upon a death occurring on 
the day when he receives the Master Workman’s degree. 

Pro. G. L. Wis., 1881. 

76. Note. — The foregoing decision of the G. L. of Wis., is opposed to the 
weight of authority. 

77. No offset against assessment. A brother cannot claim an offset of 
money due him from the Lodge as against his beneficiary assessment. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1882. 

78. No offset against assessment. A member cannot pay his assess- 
ment with a bill against the Lodge. If he wishes to use his bill against the 
Lodge for that purpose, he must present his bill, procure an order upon the 
general fund, draw the money from the general fund, and pay it into the bene- 
ficiary fund. 

The two funds are to be kept separate and distinct. 

The beneficiary fund can be used for no purpose but payment of death claims 
upon calls made by the Grand Recorder. 

Pro. G. L. Ohio , 1883. 

79. Disallowance of offset. A Lodge is not bound to notify a member 
that it refuses to allow a bill presented by him against it before it suspends him 
for non-payment of assessments. 

Pro. G. L. Ohio , 1883. 

80. Method of securing allowance of offset. The Financier of a Lodge 
having a balance to his credit on account of services as such Financier, asked 
the Lodge to apply, as it had on another occasion, a sufficient amount of this 
indebtedness to the payment and satisfaction of a beneficiary assessment against 
him, the time for payment of which expired at that meeting. This was not 
done, and the brother stood suspended in consequence of this failure. 

Subsequently applying for reinstatement, the application was rejected by the 
Grand Medical Examiner, whereupon the point was raised that the former sus- 
pension was illegal. 

Held , although the Lodge owed R. W. G., the Financier, no officer of that 
Lodge had any right to pay out of the general fund any money to him, or any 
assessment for him, until an order was made by the Lodge to allow such claim. 


ASSESSMENTS. 


45 


Even if said claim had been allowed, should there have been no money in the 
general fund of said Lodge, R. W. G. should, in that event, have kept up his 
assessments until such time as the Lodge should have an available general fund. 

The suspension was regular. 

81. Assessment in case of new Lodges, see New Lodges, par. 20, 21, 22. 

82. Assessment for revenue made by Supreme or Grand Lodge, see 
Revenue, par. 1. 

83. Assessments. Where an insurance policy provided for 
the payment of the death losses by an assessment on the then 
policy-holders, which they were at liberty to pay or not, the 
company cannot collect such assessment by suit, and the court 
has no power to order an assessment on the bankruptcy of the 
company. 

And where the policy provides that the assessments are to be 
made monthly on all policy-holders who had made timely pay- 
ment of the last assessment, the failure of the company to make 
the assessment regularly from month to month cannot be re- 
trieved by the court. 

And the fact that death losses had accrued against the com- 
pany for which assessments should have been made, but which 
the company neglected to make, does not authorize the court 
to exercise the functions of the company by making these as- 
sessments. The amount to be assessed under such policies is 
not an asset of the company, and its general creditors have no 
right to it. 

In re. Protection Life Ins. Co., 9 Biss. , 188. 

84. Assessments, payment of. Where the policy provides 
that, if any dues or assessments are not received by the com- 
pany within a time specified from the date of notice, the policy 
should be void, but the notice is silent as to the mode of remit- 
ting the money, the insured would be bound to see that the 
company money was actually received by the company within 
the time specified, or forfeit his policy. But, if the notice gave 
directions as to the mode of remittance, the right to forfeit the 


46 


ASSESSMENT BOOK. 


policy for non-payment is waived, if the insured complied with 

those directions. 

1/ 

Protection Ins. Co. vs. Foote, 79 III., 361. 

85. Assessment, payment Of. Where the condition of a 
policy is that the insured shall, within thirty days from the date 
of notice, pay any assessment, etc., against him, and a failure to 
do so shall render the policy void, if the party dies within the 
thirty days after receiving notice of an assessment, the company 
will have no right to declare a forfeiture for non-payment within 
the thirty days. 

Protection Ins. Co. vs. Palmer, 81 III., 88. 

86. Assessments. The essential principle on which mutual 
insurance companies are organized is that each member will 
pay his proportionate share of expenses incurred, and losses, 
which happen during the period of membership, and therefore 
a member is not liable to pay losses or expenses incurred prior 
to the time when he became a member. 

People’s Fire Ins. Co. vs. Hartshorne, 90 Pa., 465. 

ASSESSMENTS FOR GENERAL FUND. 

1. A Lodge having no by-laws touching the point cannot assess mem- 
bers to pay a debt. 

Pro. G. L. California , 1884,/. 56. 

2. A Lodge without by-laws or special or sick fund cannot levy an assess- 
ment for the benefit of a sick member and enforce the payment under a penalty. 

In such a case voluntary contributions must be used to meet our moral obli- 
gations until the by-laws provide therefor. 

Pro G. L California , 1884,/. 58. 

3. Brothers cannot be compelled to pay an assessment for the purpose 
of paying a note given by the Lodge unless the by-laws of the Lodge provide 
that such an assessment may be made. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1884,/. 670. 

Pro. G. L. Kansas, 1884,/. 12. 

ASSESSMENT BOOK. 


See Financier, par. 6. 


AUDITING COMMITTEE. 


47 


ATTENDANCE. 

See Absence, Compensation of Sub. L. Officers, par. i, 2. 

AUDITING COMMITTEE. 

1. Appointment and duties. At the last stated meetings 
in June and December the Master Workman shall appoint an 
auditing committee, which shall consist of three members in 
good standing, whose duty it shall be to audit the books and 
examine the accounts of the Recorder, Treasurer, and Receiver, 
and make their report in writing at the next stated meeting. 

Part of Art. X, § 1, Sub. L. Const. 

2. Should act every six months. Although a Lodge elect officers annually, 
yet the Master Workman should appoint the auditing committee every six 
months to examine the books, etc. 

3. Recorder’s books. The committee should have access to the minute 
book of the Recorder to determine whether orders are authorized or not. 

Pro. G. L. Penna., 1883 ,p. 27. 

4. Books of Lodge officers. The Recorder of the Subordinate Lodge 
shall have his books written up for the auditing committee within twenty-four 
hours after the last meeting in each term. 

Sub. L. Const, of Illinois , Art. X, § 5. 

This provision applies also to the Receiver and Financier in the above named 
jurisdiction. — Ibid. , §§6, 7. 

Const . Sub. L. Nevada. 


BACK BENEFICIARY FUND. 


See Arrears, par. i, 2, 3. 

Reinstatement, 8, 9, 10, etc. 

BADGE OF THE ORDER. 

1. The badge to be worn by officers and members of the various branches of 
the Order shall be of the size and design herein described : 

A circular medal of the diameter of two inches, with the emblem of the Order 
(sun’s rays, anchor and shield with A. O. U. W. thereon) suspended from a 
cross-bar inches in length, which is to be connected with a pin-bar 2 
inches long and y% inch in width, by a ribbon 2^ inches long and 1^ inches in 
width. The pin-bar to have the letters C. H. P. displayed thereon. 

2. For Subordinate Lodges. Badge as above described, metal white, rib- 
bon scarlet ; except P. M. W., which shall be of yellow metal and blue ribbon. 
The officers’ badges to be distinguished from members’ by the appropriate jewel 
of office suspended from the pin-bar, in size so as not to touch the medal. 

3. For Grand Lodges. Badge as above described, metal yellow, ribbon 
blue ; except P. G. M. W., the ribbon for which shall be purple. 

4. For Supreme Lodge. Badge same as above, metal yellow, ribbon 
purple. 

5. Jewels of Grand and Supreme Lodge officers to be suspended in 
like manner as those of Subordinate Lodges. 

Pro. Sup. L. t *jth Ann. Sess., p. 154. 

See Emblem, Regalia, etc. 

6. Officers’ jewels. For the Supreme Master Workman, crossed gavels, 
enclosing the letter “ W Supreme Foreman, plumb-bob and level ; Supreme 
Overseer, axe and trowel ; Supreme Recorder, crossed pens ; Supreme Receiver, 
crossed keys ; Supreme Guide, crossed wands ; Supreme Watchman, crossed 
swords ; Past Supreme Master Workman, open Bible. 

Pro. 2 d Ann. Sess. S. L., p. 46. 

As amended qth Ann. Sess. S. L., 1881. 

7. Note. — The jewels for officers of Grand and Subordinate Lodges are the 
same as for officers of the Supreme Lodge. 


BALLOT. 


49 


BALLOTING. 

See Election, par. i, 8, 9, 10, 17, 21, etc. 

Ballot cast for “ Nickname.” 

See Election, par. 24. 

BALLOT. 

1. Applications tor membership shall be made in writing, 
signed by the applicant, stating his age, occupation, and resi- 
dence ; and the applicant must be recommended by two mem- 
bers of the Lodge in good standing. Each application must be 
accompanied with the sum of not less than three dollars, and 
the physician’s certificates, in manner and form as directed by 
the Supreme Lodge. The application shall be read at a stated 
meeting of the Lodge, entered on the minutes, and referred to 
a committee of three, whose duty it shall be to inquire and re- 
port at the next stated meeting of the Lodge, as to the charac- 
ter and fitness of the applicant to become a member. 

If the report be favorable, the applicant shall be balloted for. If 
the report be unfavorable, he shall be declared rejected. If a 
ballot is taken and the balls are all white, or only one black ball 
appears, the applicant shall be declared elected. If there shall 
appear two or more black balls, the applicant shall be declared 
rejected, and no other balloting for the same applicant shall 
take place for the space of six months thereafter, unless the ob- 
jectors shall withdraw their objection ; in which event, another 
ballot may be taken after notice thereof shall have been given 
at one stated meeting preceding. 

§ 2, Art. II, Const. Sub. L. 

2. Renewal of suspended certificate. It was formerly held that the vote 
taken under the provisions of § § 10 and n, Art. VIII (beneficiary article), Sup. 
L. Const , was by ballot, but in 1883 it was decided by the Supreme Master 
Workman that the renewal of a suspended certificate was ordered by a majority 
voting under the voting sign. 

3. Cubes may be used instead of balls in balloting. 

Pro. N. Y. G. L., 1880. 

4 


50 


BALLOT. 


4. Separate ballot. Balloting for members must be had upon each appli- 
cant separately. 

Pro . Sth Ann. Sess. S. L., 1880, p. i 83 . 

5. Separate ballot. Applicants must not be balloted for together. 

Pro. G. L. Md., N. J., and Del ., 1883,/. 17. 

6. Ballot should be secret. Under no circumstances should the M. W. or 
F. disclose the number of black balls cast against a candidate. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1878,/. 20. 

7. The ballot is secret. No member is at liberty to vote openly in ballot- 
ing for candidates. No member has any right to divulge his ballot, whether 
black or white. 

Pro. G. L. Minn., 1879,/. 22 - 

8 . Ballot to be secret and unquestioned. A brother has a perfect right 
to use a black ball without giving a reason in open Lodge. It is a brother’s 
right to vote a secret ball ballot, so designed that the vote of one member shall 
not influence that of another, but that every one should vote according to the 
dictates of his own conscience, free from all external influence. 

Penna. Revised Decisions, p. 7. 

9. The Master Workman has no right to question the prerogative of 
members in balloting for candidates if the members are in good standing. 

Penna. Rev. Dec.,p. 8. 

10. No one to be called to account for ballot. It is improper to per- 
mit inquiry in open Lodge, or in any other maaner, as to who cast black balls, 
or their reasons therefor. The secrecy of the ballot should be maintained and 
protected. No member should be called to account for casting a black ball, 
whether he be a committeeman or not. 

Pro. Hth Ann. Sess. S. L ., 1880 , p. 186. 

11. Member not to be called to account. A member cannot be called 
upon to give his reasons for blackballing a candidate. 

Pro. G. L. Kansas, 1883,/. 10. 

12. Disclosure of members present punishable. The ballot must be re- 
garded as secret by every member of the Order. 

An officer or member who should expose a list of members present at a meet- 
ing at which a candidate was rejected, and ask the candidate who, from the list, 
he thought had blackballed him, is guilty of a breach of faith, and should be 
punished. 

See Pro. G. L. III., 1880,/. 165. 

See Offenses, par. 16. 


BALLOT. 


51 


13. Form of taking ballot. In balloting for candidates the Guide shall 
prepare the ballot-box, and pass the same to the Master Workman, who, after 
inspection of the same, casts his ballot. The Guide shall then pass the box to 
the Foreman, who casts his ballot under the sign, after which the Guide shall 
place the ballot-box on the altar (but in no case shall the ballot-box be placed 
upon the Bible), and the remaining officers and members shall proceed to cast 
their votes as follows : Commencing at the right hand of the Master Workman, 
with the Recorder, proceed each in turn until all have cast their ballots, each 
casting his ballot under the Master Workman’s sign. After all have voted the 
Master Workman will declare the ballot closed. The Guide will then carry the 
box to the Foreman for inspection, who will announce to the Master Workman 
that “ the ballot is in favor of the applicant,” or “ not in favor of the applicant.” 
The Guide will then proceed with the box to the Master Workman, who will in- 
spect the same, and declare the candidate elected or rejected. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 487. 

14. When ballot may be taken. It is not imperative that a ballot be 
taken immediately upon the report of the investigating committee. Subordinate 
Lodges may provide in their by-laws that balloting for candidates shall take 
place only on a certain designated meeting night of each month. 

15. Medical examination approved. Applicants should not be balloted 
for until the approval of the medical certificate. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1883 , p. 13. 

16. All members present are required to vote on a ballot, and no one 

should be excused except by vote. 

In any case no ballot should be declared valid without at least [five] balls 
being cast, that number constituting a quorum. 

Pro. G. L. Minn., 1879 , p. 22. 

17. All members requested to vote. All members present should be re- 
quested to vote in balloting for any degree, but there is no law compelling a 
member to vote. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1880 ,p. 163. 

18. Master Workman may cast vote. When a vote is by ballot the 
Master Workman is entitled to vote. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1883 ,p. 13. 

19. New ballot. After a favorable ballot has been had, and before the con- 
ferring of the Junior Workman degree, another ballot shall be taken at the request 
of any member of the Lodge, made to the Master Workman or in open Lodge. 

Dig., 1 st Ed., par. 485. 


52 


BALLOT. 


20. But the ballot should not be taken unless called for. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1 88 1,/. 306. 

21. In Tennessee the M. W. may order a second ballot if, in his opinion, it 
may be proper to do so to prevent mistake. 

Art. II, § 2, Const. Sub. L. Tenn. 

22. The objections made to an applicant for membership in the ballot 
must be withdrawn by the objectors in person and in open Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1881 , p. 16. 

23. Illinois. The final clause of Section 2, Art. II (relating to withdrawal 
of objections), is omitted from the Subordinate Lodge Constitution. 

In no case can a Master Workman declare a ballot null and void. 

A second ballot requires a vote of the Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1881,/. 268. 

24. Withdrawal of objections. If two of the three persons casting black 
balls withdraw their objections, then another ballot may be held under the pro- 
visions of § 2, Art. II, Const, of Subordinate Lodge, under the jurisdiction of 
the Supreme Lodge. 

In that case no new committee need be appointed unless the Lodge chooses 
to do so. 

Pro. S. L., ^th, Ann. Sess., 1880,/. 186. 

25. The Lodge may order a new ballot to be taken upon the applica- 
tion of a member who has been elected at any time before he has received the 
Junior Workman degree. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1884. 

26. Reconsideration of favorable ballot. A majority vote of a Subordi- 
nate Lodge may order a new ballot on the application of a candidate for initia- 
tion when his election was either fraudulent or illegal on account of false 
answers made in his examination. Such order for a new ballot must be made 
before the candidate has received the M. W. degree. 

Pa. Rev. Dec. , p. 7. 

27. Renewal of the ballot may be permitted immediately after the 
first ballot is taken, by vote of the Lodge, in a case where no one has left the 
Lodge-room, and when there is good reason to suppose a mistake has occurred. 

Pro. G. L. Minnesota, 1878, p. 45. 

28. A Master Workman may order a second ballot (where the result 
was favorable) at the request of any member, made privately or in open Lodge. 


BALLOT. 


53 


Where the Master Workman hears reports affecting the applicant, it is his 
duty to recommit the application for further investigation. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1881,/. 266. 

29. Nevada. In the constitution of Subordinate Lodges in Nevada, it is 
provided that on good and sufficient cause shown by a Lodge a dispensation for 
a new ballot may be granted by the Grand Master Workman. A favorable bal- 
lot may be reconsidered at any time prior to admission. 

Sub. L. Const, of Nevada , Art. II, § 3. 

30. When investigating committee should ask for reconsideration. 

Where a committee of investigation, after having reported favorably and after 
the candidate is balloted for and elected, discovers that the member-elect is a 
cripple and a thief, the committee should ask for a reconsideration of the ballot, 
stating their reasons, and have it recommitted, and report as they find the facts. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1879 , p. 180. 

31. A favorable ballot may be reconsidered at any time prior to the con- 
ferring of the degree for which the ballot was taken. 

Pro. G. L. Col., 1882 ,p. 15. 

32. It is not proper to reconsider a vote by which an applicant has been 
elected ; but in case a favorable ballot has been had, and before the conferring 
of the J. W. degree, another ballot must be taken at the request of any member 
of the Lodge, made to the M. W. or in open Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Ill , 1884,/. 668. 

33. Reballot. If, in balloting for a candidate, there should appear two or 
more black balls, and there is good reason to suppose a mistake has been made, 
another ballot may be taken, on a vote of the Lodge, provided it is done imme- 
diately after the first, and before any member has left the Lodge-room. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 486. 

34. As soon as an unfavorable ballot is announced any member may 
move for a reconsideration of the ballot. 

Pro. G. L. Kan., 1883,/. 9. 

35. Rescission of ballot. A Subordinate Lodge has not the right to 
rescind a vote taken on the admission of a candidate at a subsequent meeting, 
and allow the candidate to withdraw his petition. If, at the same meeting, be- 
fore the result of the ballot has become declared, it transpires that there has been 
a misapprehension, or if a member who has voted assures the Master Workman 
that he feels confident he has made a mistake, the ballot may be taken again; 


BALLOT. 


54 


but in no case can a vote for membership be rescinded nor a reballoting be had 
at a subsequent meeting. Nor can a candidate, after a ballot, be allowed to 
withdraw his petition. Nor can he be allowed that privilege after an unfavor- 
able report from the investigating committee; and in no case can a petition be 
withdrawn, unless by unanimous consent, after it has been referred to a com- 
mittee. 

Pro . G. L. Mich., 1878,/. 22. 

36. No reconsideration of unfavorable ballot. After a candidate has 
been declared rejected by the Master Workman, the ballot cannot be reconsidered. 
The candidate must wait the time named in the constitution. 

Pa. Rev. Dec.,p. 7. 

37. Reconsideration. There is no constitutional provision for the recon- 
sideration of an unfavorable ballot, and it should not be permitted, except the 
brothers who cast the black balls make a statement at that or the next Lodge 
meeting that they cast them by mistake. 

Pro. G. L. N. V., 1879. 

38. Renewal of ballot under protest of Deputy. An applicant was re- 
jected. At the next meeting a member declared he had cast a black ball, sup- 
posing the applicant to be another person. 

The Master Workman then asked the Lodge Deputy if the ballot could not be 
reconsidered, and was answered in the negative; but a member made a motion 
to reconsider the ballot, which was done, and another ballot was had, which re- 
sulted in the election of the candidate. These proceedings took place under the 
protest of the Deputy. 

At the next stated meeting the Master Workman conferred the J. W. degree. 

Held that the Master Workman violated his obligation. 

The fees were ordered returned, and the applicant’s name stricken from the 
roll. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1881,/. 266. 

39. Missouri — Reballoting for petitions on a charter may take place in ac- 
cordance with [§2, Art. II, Sup. L. Const.] 

By-Laws G. L. Mo., Art. Ill, §6. 

40. Reballoting. If, in balloting for a candidate, there should appear two 
or more black balls, and there is good reason to suppose a mistake has been 
made, another ballot may be taken, on the vote of the Lodge, provided it is done 
immediately after the first, and before any member has left the Lodge-room. 

By-Larus G. L. Mo., Art. VI, §3. 


BALLOT. 


55 


41. No renewal of ballot at another meeting. At a meeting subse- 
quent to the rejection of a candidate; the parties who cast the black balls offered 
to vote for admission of the applicant if another ballot could be had. 

Held no ballot can be had within six months from the former rejection. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1881,/. 265. 

Pro . G. L. III., 1879,/. 178. 

42. Reconsideration. Where a candidate is declared rejected, the ballot 
cannot be reconsidered. 

If those casting black balls withdraw their objection, a new ballot may be had 
upon due notice given. 

Pro. G. L. Or. and Wash., 1882 ,p. 46. 

43. Black ball rejects, although cast to secure renewal of ballot. Where 
a ballot was declared unfavorable, and a brother arose and stated he had cast a 
black ball because he thought the candidate might be rejected, and he did so to 
procure a new ballot, no new ballot can be had. The candidate was rejected. 
No brother has a right to vote for any such purpose. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1883,/. 487. 

44. When reballot ordered. An adverse ballot can be reconsidered. 1st. 
When any person voting under a misapprehension as to the candidate asks for a 
reballot. 

2d. When a person by mistake casts an unfavorable ballot. But in both cases 
the request for a second ballot should be made immediately before any brother 
has left the room, and before any other business is transacted. 

Pro . G. L. Cal., 1878 , p. 20. 

45. No reballot after members depart. At the same meeting, after a 
member had left the room, the rejection of a candidate was reconsidered, and 
the applicant declared elected. 

Held illegally elected, and all action was set aside. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1881,/. 269. 

46. Ballot for degree. A candidate who, having received the J. W. degree 
and applying for the M. W. degree, is blackballed, another ballot cannot be 
taken for one month. [Art. V. § 2, Const. Subord. Lodge.] 

Penna. Rev. Dec., p. 8. 

47. When ballot conclusive. When a ballot for an applicant has been 
taken, and the result announced, it is conclusive, and the ballot cannot be re- 
opened unless the objectors withdraw their objections, in which event another 
ballot may be taken, after notice thereof shall have been given at a preceding 
stated meeting. 

Penna. Rev. Dec.,p. 8. 


56 


BENEFICIARY SYSTEM 


48. Ballot may be demanded on advancement. Where the rule prevailed 
that only one ballot was necessary for all the degrees, yet a Subordinate Lodge 
ordered a ballot on the application of a Junior Workman for advancement. 

Held that whenever a member thinks a ballot should be taken, it is his right to 
demand it, and the matter is in the hands of the Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Iowa , 1879,/. 33. 

49. Advancement. A J. W. applying for the M. W. degree must be bal- 
loted for. 

Pro. G. L. Kansas , 1883, p. 8. 

This is the general rule, and in accordance with § 2, Art. V. Const, of Sub. L. 

50. Advancement. As to balloting for Master Workman degree, see Junior 

Workman. 

51. Mistake as to result of ballot. At the institution of a new Lodge a 
mistake was made by the D. D. G. M. W., who, on the examination of the 
ballot, declared the candidate elected, whereas he was, in fact, rejected. 

Upon discovery of the facts above stated, complaints arose, and being referred 
to the G. M. W., it was held and directed : 

That if the candidate had received the degrees he could not be deprived of the 
rights acquired. 

If not initiated, a new ballot should be taken. 

Pro. G. L. Minn ., 1879,/. 22. 

52. A member after suspension may be readmitted on vote. No ballot 
is required. 

Dec. S. M. IV., 1883. 

See Reinstatement, 

Bartenders, see Intoxicating Liquors. 

Benefits, see Sick Benefits. 

BENEFICIARY SYSTEM. 

1. One of the fundamental objects of the Order as declared by it is to create 
a fund for the benefit of its members in sickness, etc., and for the purpose of 
guaranteeing the family of the member against want. 

The right to legislate on this subject within the Order belongs, primarily, 
therefore to the Supreme Lodge. 

In the exercise of this right, the Supreme Lodge has hitherto adhered to cer- 
tain fixed principles governing the beneficiary fund, and has controlled the fol- 
lowing elements of the system : 


\ 


BENEFICIARY SYSTEM. 


57 


ist. The amount of the beneficiary certificate. 

2d. The amount of the contribution. 

3d. The time of issuing assessment notices. 

4th. The maximum time of payment thereof. 

5th. The duties of Subordinate Lodges in the collection of the beneficiary 
fund. 

6th. The time, subject to the laws of different States, Territories or Provinces, 
within which members shall forfeit beneficiary or other rights. 

7th. The establishment of certain maximum or minimum conditions for the 
restoration of such rights. 

The following summary of the beneficiary system of the Order is given for 
the purpose of presenting its principal features in a connected form, so that its 
general plan may be more clearly seen. The laws, rules and regulations from 
which this summary is made up will be found in detail in the following pages : 

2. Purpose of the system. The purpose of the beneficiary system of the 
Order is to secure the sum of $2,000 to each member’s family, or to such person 
or persons as he may choose to designate — such amount to be payable at his 
death. The fund from which these payments are made is raised, as needed, by 
assessments of one dollar each upon the members. The steps by which this 
system is carried out are in general as follows : 

3. Medical examinations. Each applicant for membership must be exam- 
ined by the Medical Examiner of the Lodge, whose report, in manner and form 
as prescribed by the Supreme or Grand Lodge, must accompany the application 
for membership. This report must also be approved by the Supreme or Grand 
Medical Examiner, as the case may be, prior to the conferring of the M. W. de- 
gree. In some jurisdictions notice of the approval of the Grand Medical Exam- 
iner is required prior to the conferring of the J. W. degree, while in others, and 
in a majority of the jurisdictions, no action can be taken by the Subordinate 
Lodge until such approval. 

4. Application for beneficiary certificate. Immediately after the Junior 
Workman degree has been conferred upon an applicant, he makes application 
for the succeeding degree, and at the same time signs the application for the 
beneficiary certificate. This is required, in order that the application may be 
forwarded to the Grand or Supreme Recorder, and the beneficiary certificate re- 
ceived before the Master Workman degree is conferred on the brother. 

5. Forwarding application, etc. The Recorder immediately forwards the 
application and Medical Examiner’s report, duly approved by the Grand Medi- 
cal Examiner and investigating committee, with the certificate fee, to the Grand 
or Supreme Recorder, as the case may be, and the beneficiary certificate is issued 


58 


BENEFICIARY SYSTEM. 


and returned to the Recorder of the Subordinate Lodge in time for delivery to 
the brother when he receives the M. W. degree. 

6. Delivery of certificate to member. When the Master Workman degree 
is to be conferred upon an applicant, his beneficiary certificate is countersigned 
by the Master Workman and Recorder, and attested by the seal of the Lodge. 
The Recorder also enters a record of it in proper form in the beneficiary certifi- 
cate register book. It is then ready for delivery to the brother, and is handed 
to him at the close of the degree ceremony. 

7. Notice of death. Upon the death of a brother lawfully entitled to par- 
ticipate in the beneficiary fund, the Subordinate Lodge of which he was a mem- 
ber sends notice (through its Recorder) in the prescribed form (Form No. 5) to the 
Grand or Supreme Recorder, as the case may be. 

8. Notice of assessment. When a death occurs, if the amount of the bene- 
ficiary fund on hand in excess of warrants drawm will meet the payment of the 
required amount of $2,000, no assessment is made, but if the amount on hand is 
less than $2,000, then notice of an assessment is sent to each Subordinate Lodge 
in the jurisdiction on the first day of the following month. 

9. Forwarding fund from Subordinate Lodge. Upon receipt of a notice of 
assessment, each Subordinate Lodge forwards to the Grand or Supreme Recorder 
the amount of the beneficiary fund on hand in the Lodge, the same being one 
dollar for each member of the Lodge whose certificate has not been suspended, 
and such sums as have been received on certificates which have been renewed. 
The amount is sent, through the Recorder, by the Receiver, by a draft payable 
to the order of the Supreme or Grand Receiver, or in such other manner as 
the Supreme or Grand Lodge may direct. A record of the amount forwarded 
is to be entered on the minutes of the Subordinate Lodge. 

10. Notice to members. When the Lodges are notified of an assessment, 
written or printed notices are sent out by the Financier, not later than the eighth 
day of the month, to each member of the Lodge. 

Dig., 1 st Ed. 

The member, to keep himself in good standing, must, on or before the 28th 
of the month, pay the assessment or assessments to the Financier. Great care 
should be taken by the Financier to personally attend to the addressing and stamp- 
ing of these notices if sent through the post-office. In case of any claim against 
the Order on behalf of the beneficiaries of a brother who is suspended, it might 
be necessary to prove the sending of the notice to him, properly addressed, and 
postage prepaid. For, unless notice is handed to the brother personally or prop- 
erly deposited in the post-office, the brother cannot be legally suspended. Each 


BENEFICIARY SYSTEM. 


59 


Financier should first address and stamp the notices from his list of members, and 
after having done so, he should check the notices so prepared with his list so 
that he can swear positively that he mailed the notices to correspond with his 
list. Too much care cannot be taken in this respect. The Financier should note 
the names of all those who fail to pay before the 29th as suspended, and report 
the same at the first meeting of the Lodge thereafter. 

11. Time of payment. All brothers who have not paid the assessment (or 
assessments, if there be more than one) on or before the 28th of the month 
stand suspended, and no report to the Lodge is necessary to complete the suspen- 
sion, nor can the brother be reinstated except in the manner hereinafter stated. 

Kansas Notes of Instruction. 

12. Two or more assessments at the same time. If two or more assess- 
ments are called for at the same time, the amount of such assessments must be paid 
by each member within the same time, and subject to the same penalty as in the case 
of a single assessment. The Receiver, as soon as the notice of assessment is re- 
ceived, forwards the beneficiary fund on hand, as above stated, which pays one 
assessment. On or before the first day of the following month (the collections 
having been made in the meantime) he forwards the amount due from the Lodge 
on each additional assessment. 

13. Amount of one assessment on hand in Subordinate Lodge. When 

notice of an assessment or assessments is received, the Lodge forwards, as above 
stated, the amount of the beneficiary fund it has on hand. It then collects from 
each member, on or before the 28th of the month, one dollar on each assessment 
notice received by the Lodge. If but one assessment has been made, this re- 
places the beneficiary fund, ready for the next notice. If more than one assess- 
ment has been made, the amount of each additional assessment is also forwarded 
on or before the first of the next month, leaving one dollar for each valid cer- 
tificate still on hand. Thus the Lodge begins each month with its obligations 
fully discharged, and the proper amount on hand to meet the next call. 

14. Failure of Subordinate Lodge to forward beneficiary fund. If any 

Subordinate Lodge fails to forward its beneficiary fund, so that the same may 
reach the Grand or Supreme Recorder during the first week of the month for 
which the notice was issued, it is again notified, and if the fund is not forwarded 
within one week from the date of such second notice, all certificates under the 
jurisdiction of the delinquent Lodge stand suspended. 

15. Suspension of certificates. If any member fails to pay his assessment 
or assessments on or before the 28th day of the month, his certificate is held sus- 
pended, and until the suspension is removed he forfeits all right to participation 
in the beneficiary fund. 


60 


BENEFICIARY SYSTEM. 


16. Renewal of certificate within three months. Any 

beneficiary certificate suspended by reason of non-payment of as- 
sessments thereon may be renewed, if the member be living, at 
any time within a period of three months from the date of such 
suspension, upon the following conditions, and none other, that 
is to say : i. All assessments that have been made during that 
time shall be paid. 2. This fact shall be reported to the Lodge 
at a stated meeting ; and 3. The Lodge shall by a majority vote 
declare said certificate renewed. When all these conditions have 
been complied with, the beneficiary certificate shall be held as 
renewed and in full force, and not before. 

17. Renewal of certificate within six months. If not so renewed within 
three months, then the following conditions must be complied with to obtain a 
renewal within six months : 1. The member in arrears must be examined by the 
Medical Examiner of the Lodge, and be recommended by him for membership. 
2. He must pay all the assessments for which he would have been liable had he 
remained a member in good standing. 3. The consent of the Lodge by a major- 
ity vote must be obtained. 

18. Annulling of certificate and suspension from the Order. The fore- 
going statements, it will be observed, refer to the suspension of a certificate , 
subject to renewal within a limited time. If the conditions are not complied 
with and a renewal obtained within six months, then the certificate is annulled , 
and the delinquent member suspended from all the rights, benefits and privileges 
of the Order. He is virtually out of the Order, but can be reinstated in it and 
have his certificate renewed by the consent of the Lodge, upon his complying 
with the conditions enumerated below. 

19. Readmission of member holding final card. Any 

member holding a final card, desiring readmission to the Order, 
shall make application in the same manner and form as that 
prescribed for admission to membership, and shall comply with 
all the conditions necessary thereto, except that he shall be 
exempt from the payment of initiation and degree fees, but 
shall pay the usual fee required of members admitted by card. 

See § 13, Art. VIII, Sup. Lodge Const., Subdiv. 1. 

20. Reinstatement of member suspended for non-pay- 
ment of dues. Any member suspended from the Order by 


BENEFICIARY SYSTEM. 


61 


reason of the non-payment of dues for the period of six months, 
desiring to be reinstated, shall make application in the same 
manner and form as that prescribed for admission to member- 
ship, and shall comply with all the conditions necessary thereto, 
except that he shall be exempt from the payment of initiation 
or degree fee. He shall pay the amount of dues for non-pay- 
ment of which he was suspended from the Order, and shall pay 
in addition a sum not less than one dollar, which amount shall 
be placed in the general fund. 

21. Reinstatement of member suspended for non-pay- 
ment Of assessments over Six months. Any member sus- 
pended from all the rights and benefits of the Order by reason 
of the non-payment of assessments for the period of six months, 
desiring to be reinstated, shall make application in the same 
manner and form as that prescribed for admission to member- 
ship, and shall comply with all the conditions necessary thereto, 
except that he shall be exempt from the payment of the initia- 
tion or degree fees. He shall pay a sum not less than seven 
dollars, which amount shall be placed in the beneficiary fund. 
Upon the completion of such readmission or reinstatement, the 
Recorder shall immediately notify the Grand or Supreme Re- 
corder thereof. In case of rejection the amounts above speci- 
fied shall be returned to the applicant. 

22 . Suspension or expulsion. A member suspended or expelled from the 
Order, for any cause whatever, forfeits all claims to the beneficiary fund. 

23. Change of direction as to payment. Any member holding a bene- 
ficiary certificate, desiring, at any time, to make a new direction as to its pay- 
ment, may do so in writing on the back of his certificate, in the form prescribed 
(see Form No. 6), attested by the Recorder, with the seal of the Lodge attached, 
and by paying to the Grand or Supreme Lodge the sum of fifty cents. 

See § 17, Art. VIII, Sup. Lodge Const. 

Note .— In the jurisdictions of New York, Michigan, and Missouri, some 
changes in details in the above general system will be noted to exist— these are 
fully explained under their proper heads. 

Note. The law creating separate beneficiary jurisdictions conferred no power 

or authority on Grand Lodges as such, other than that expressed by the constitu- 


62 


BENEFICIARY CERTIFICATE. 


tion, to wit: “with power to collect and disburse within itself the beneficiary 
fund , subject to and in accordance with the general laws, rules and regulations of 
the Supreme Lodge.” The vested rights of Grand Lodges as separate benefi- 
ciary jurisdictions extend no further than the collection and disbursement of the 
beneficiary fund, under the general laws and regulations as prescribed by the 
Supreme Lodge. 

It in no manner contravenes or restricts the authority, or renders questionable 
the power of the Supreme Lodge, to levy and collect from separate beneficiary 
jurisdictions assessments for revenue, or to create a relief revenue, or other fund 
as may be deemed proper and necessary to preserve the honer, dignity, and wel- 
fare of the Order, and to establish laws and regulations relative thereto, making 
the requirements thereof alike binding and obligatory on all parts of the Order. 
Nor does it in any manner change or impair the legitimate control of the Su- 
preme Lodge over Grand Lodges, or the subordination of Grand Lodges to the 
Supreme Lodge, in accordance with the provisions of their charters and the gen- 
eral laws of the Order. 

24. A person once a member of the Order, whose connec- 
tion therewith has been severed so as to annul his beneficiary 
certificate, making application for renewal of membership, must 
produce his old beneficiary certificate or sworn proof of its loss, 
unless it has been previously surrendered upon the issuance of 
a final card. 

L< 2b of Gen. App., as amended 1884. 

25. New York. The beneficiary law of New York permits assessments to 
be paid within thirty days after notice of assessment, in order to conform to a 
supposed ruling of the courts respecting forfeiture, and the various requirements 
of the beneficiary law are modified in accordance with such change. 

BENEFICIARY CERTIFICATE. 

1. Application for beneficiary certificate. Each member 
upon receiving the J. W. degree and applying for the M. W. de- 
gree, shall make an application for the rights, privileges and 
benefits of the Order, in substance as follows, which shall be 
attested by the Recorder of the Subordinate Lodge, with the 
seal attached : 

FORM OF APP LIC A TION. 


I, , having made application for the M. W. degree in 

Lodge No. — , Ancient Order of United Workmen, State of - 


BENEFICIARY CERTIFICATE. 


63 


do hereby agree that compliance on my part with all the laws, 
regulations and requirements which are or may be enacted by 
said Order is the express condition upon which I am to be en- 
titled to participate in the beneficiary fund, and have and enjoy 
all the other benefits and privileges of said Order. 

I certify that the answers made by me to the questions pro- 
pounded by the Medical Examiner of this Lodge, which are at- 
tached to this application, and form a part thereof, are true. 

I further agree that the certificate to be issued hereon shall 
have no binding force whatever until I shall have taken the M. 
W. degree of said Order, and until my medical examination has 
been approved by the Supreme or Grand Medical Examiner or 
examining board. 

I hereby authorize and direct that the amount to which I may 
be entitled of said beneficiary fund shall at my death be paid 
to . 

[Seal.] , 

Attest : , Recorder. Applicant. 

2. Upon application for certificate, duly approved by the Su- 
preme Medical Examiner, as provided for in Section 2 of this 
article, the Supreme or Grand Recorder shall immediately issue 
and forward the certificate to the Subordinate Lodge, where it 
shall be countersigned by the Master Workman, with the seal of 
the Subordinate Lodge attached, attested by the Recorder, and 
when the applicant has received the M. W. degree, the certificate 
shall be delivered to him, a record be made of the same in the 
books of the Lodge, and he shall from the date of receiving the 
M. W. degree be entitled to all the rights and privileges of the 
Order, in accordance with the laws, rules and regulations of the 
Supreme Lodge ; provided that in case the beneficiary certifi- 
cate is not present at the time the applicant receives the M. W. 
degree, he shall be entitled to participate in the beneficiary fund 
until such time as said certificate shall be received by the Lodge, 
the same as though said certificate had been delivered at the 
time said degree was received. 

Art. VIII, § 5 (Ben. Art.). 


64 


BENEFICIARY CERTIFICATE. 


3. The Supreme Lodge shall issue, or cause to be issued, all 
certificates of the beneficiary fund, which certificate shall be in 
substance as follows : 

BENEFICIAR Y CERTIFICA TE. 

ANCIENT ORDER OF UNITED WORKMEN. 

No. $ 

This certificate, issued by the authority of the Supreme Lodge 
of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, witnesseth : That 

Brother , a M. W. degree member of Lodge, No. 

— , of said Order, located at , in the State of , is entitled 

to all the rights and privileges of membership in the Ancient 
Order of United Workmen, and to participate in the Beneficiary 
Fund of the Order, to the amount of two thousand dollars, which 
sum shall, at his death, be paid to . 

This certificate is issued upon the express condition that said 

shall, in every particular, while a member of said 

Order, comply with all the laws, rules and requirements thereof. 

In witness whereof, the Lodge of has caused 

this to be signed by its Master Workman and Recorder, 

and the seal thereof to be attached, this day of , one 

thousand eight hundred and . 

, M. W. 

[Seal.] Attest : , Recorder. 

We, the undersigned, M. W. and Recorder of Lodge, No. 

— , do hereby countersign and attach the seal of this Lodge 
hereto, rendering this certificate valid and in full force, this 
day of 18 — . 

[Seal Sub. L.] , M. W. 

, Recorder. 

4. Certificates authorized by Supreme Lodge. Under the imperative 
laws of the Order all beneficiary certificates are issued by authority of the Su- 
preme Lodge. 

Decision of Supreme Master Workman as amended by the Supreme 
Lodge , 8 th Ann. Sess. 1880. Pro., pp. 187, 277, 278. 


BENEFICIARY CERTIFICATE. 


65 


5. Certificate essential to membership. An individual to whom a bene- 
ficiary certificate is refused for any reason ceases to be a member of the Order 
from the time the Lodge is informed of the fact, although all the degrees may 
have been conferred. 

There are no honorary or non-beneficial members. 

Pro. ftth Ann. Sess. Sup. L , 1880,/. 188. 

6. Minnesota. The following resolution is ordered printed on all beneficiary 
certificates : 

“ No beneficiary certificate shall be pledged, mortgaged, hypothecated, sold, 
assigned or transferred for any pecuniary consideration by the beneficiary therein 
named.” 

Pro. G. L. Minnesota , 1884,/. 44. 

7. Note. — The beneficiary certificate issued to each member of the Order 
on his receiving the Master Workman degree is in all cases in the sum of two 
thousand dollars. Grand Lodges set apart as separate jurisdictions may, with 
the approval of the Supreme Lodge, provide for an increase of the beneficiary 
fund, but such increase is to form a separate and distinct fund, and would not 
change the amount of the regular beneficiary certificate. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 191. 

8. All members required to take out certificates. All members are re- 
quired to take out beneficiary certificates ; the law and ritualistic work both re- 
quire it. 

Pro. 6th Ann. Sess. S. L.,p. 345. 

9. A Master Workman who dies before receiving his beneficiary certifi- 
cate is entitled to all the benefits of the Order, provided the law has been com- 
plied with in admitting him. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1884,/. 664. 

10. Beneficiary certificates, sum to be paid for. Grand 
Lodges may reduce the sum to be paid for beneficiary certifi- 
cate to less than one dollar. 

Sup. L. Const., Art. VIII, § 3. 

11. The proper manner to make a direction for the payment of a bene- 
ficiary certificate is for the applicant to state, and have inserted, the full name, 
residence and relationship of the person or persons to whom payment is directed 
to be made in all cases, so no mistake may occur. 

If payable to more' than one person, the amount which each is to receive 

should also be stated. 

Pro. Nans. G. L., 1883, p. 9. Dig., 1st Ed., p. 142. 

5 


66 


BENEFICIARY CERTIFICATE. 


12. Beneficiary certificate. Mutual relief associations are 
not authorized to provide for the payment of stipulated sums 
of money to persons other than the family or heirs of a deceased 
member, and for a gross abuse of its franchises and privileges 
in issuing sixty-four certificates of membership to one person, 
who was not a member, upon the lives of strangers, in whom 
the insured had no insurable interest, the court ousted the asso- 
ciation of its franchise to be a corporation. 

State vs. Central Ohio Mut. Relief Association, 29 Ohio St., 399. 

13. Beneficiary certificate. In the case of a mutual society 
designed to secure, upon the death of a member, payment of 
moneys to those who are dependent upon him, the court will 
construe its rules and regulations liberally in order to effect its 
benevolent purpose, and should not so construe them as to de- 
feat that purpose, unless the meaning is so clear and certain as 
to admit of no other reasonable construction. 

The object of a society was “ to establish a widow and or- 
phans’ fund,” from which, on the decease of a member, a cer- 
tain sum shall be paid “to his family, or those dependent on 
him, as he may direct.” The rules provide for each member a 
benefit certificate, showing the “names of his family, or those 
dependent upon him, to whom he desires his benefit paid 
that in case of his failure to direct, “ by will, entry or benefit 
certificate,” who shall receive such benefit, “the council shall 
cause the same to be paid to the person entitled thereto ;” and 
that “in case no person is entitled to the benefit, it shall revert 
to the widow and orphans’ benefit fund.” 

A benefit certificate issued to a member provided for payment 
of the money, on his death, to his infant children, who died be- 
fore the father, and he gave no other direction, and left no chil- 
dren or descendants, or other person dependent on him for sup- 
port, except his widow. It was held that the widow was entitled 
to the benefit. 


Ballou vs. Gile, 50 Wise., 614. 


BENEFICIARY CERTIFICATE. 


67 


i 4 - Beneficiary certificate. A provision of the constitu- 
tion of a benevolent society requiring of a member to designate 
the beneficiary whom he designs to have a share in the benevo- 
lent fund at his death is sufficiently complied with by any form 
of words that is sufficient to make known his intention, and the 
addition of the word “wife ” to the name of the person desig- 
nated, she not being his wife, does not make the designation 
ineffectual. 

Durian vs. Central Verein of the Hermann’s Soehne, 7 Daly , 168. 

15. Beneficiary certificate. A policy issued for the benefit 
of a person who is neither an heir nor a relative of the assured, 
and whose interest is not promoted by the latter’s continuing 
alive, is in the nature of a wager policy, and void as against 
public policy. 

Mutual Benefit Association vs. Hoyt, 46 Mich., 473. 

16. Beneficiary certificate. The laws and regulations 
adopted by a beneficial association determine the rights of the 
members and the association, and a fund raised by the associa- 
tion in pursuance of such laws and regulations, to be paid to 
the family or heirs of a deceased member, in the name herein 
specified, unless otherwise directed by such member in his life- 
time, will, on failure of the member to give such directions, be 
controlled by such laws and regulations, where, by the rules of 
such association, the said fund is to be paid “to the widow, 
childreif, mother, sister, father, or brother of a deceased mem- 
ber, and in the order named, if not otherwise directed by the 
member previous to his death.” The relations will take the fund 
in the order named unless the member, in his lifetime, executed 
such power of direction or appointment, thus changing the or- 
der of the payment; but the will of a member who died seized 
of property, real and personal, devising and bequeathing to his 
children “ my estate and property, real, personal and mixed,” 
without referring to the power, or the subject of it, is not such 
an execution of the power as will control the fund. 

Arthur vs. Odd Fellows’ Beneficial Association, 29 Ohio St., 557. 


68 


BENEFICIARY CERTIFICATE. 


17. Beneficiary certificate. Where the regulations of an 
incorporated beneficiary society prescribe a certain form in which 
money is to be paid to the beneficiary, in making a new direc- 
tion as to its payment, this form must be followed, and the dis- 
position of it cannot be changed by will. Therefore, where the 
rules provided that any member holding a beneficiary certificate, 
desiring at any time to make a new direction as to its payment, 
may do so by authorizing such change, in writing, on the back 
of the certificate, in the form prescribed, attested by the Re- 
corder, with the seal of the Lodge attached, it was held that a 
member could not in any other mode or manner affect or change 
the beneficiaries. The court remarked that no doubt the rule 
was adopted with the view to keep the Lodge from being in- 
volved in litigation with outside claimants. 

That if the certificate could be revoked by will, there was no 
reason why it could not be done by parol. That if it was his 
so absolutely that he could dispose of it by will, the fund would 
undoubtedly be liable for his debts. One object of this regula- 
tion was to prevent this, and to secure it to such persons as he 
might desire. The effect of the attempted change of bene- 
ficiaries, if valid, would be to defeat the declared object of the 
society — -to aid the family of the insured. 

The title to the policy would vest in the insured and pass to 
his executors, for the benefit of his creditors and legatees. 
The family might never receive any benefit whatever. 

V oilman's Appeal , 92 Pa . , 50. 

18. Benefits, to whom payable. Where the charter pre- 
scribes who may become members of the company, and their 
obligations, and who shall be the beneficiaries of the member- 
ship after the death of the member, it is not in the power of the 
company or the members, or of both, to alter the rights of those 
who are declared to be the beneficiaries, except in the mode and 
to the extent therein indicated. 

The widow of a member is entitled to the fund required by 
its charter to be paid by the company at his death, he having 


BENEFICIARY CERTIFICATE. 


69 


died intestate, and leaving no child, although the certificate 
obliged the company to pay to a member’s “ heirs, or as he may 
direct in his will.” 

Kentucky Masonic Mut. Life Ins. Co. vs. Miller, 13 Bush., 490. 

19. When a certificate of insurance contains a provision 
to pay the insured, or his legal representatives, one dollar for 
every member of the society of the same division “at the time 
of such payment,” and reference is made to endorsements on 
its back, they may be considered in connection with the body of 
the certificate in determining when it is payable. Therefore, 
where such a certificate was endorsed, “ mutual assurance on 
the life of A B,” “ due at the death of members $1,” and the 
body of the certificate contained expressions such as, should the 
assured “ come to his death by the hands of the law,” or, “should 
he die by suicide, or without heirs,” it was held that taking into 
consideration these expressions with the endorsements, the in- 
tention was manifest that the certificate or policy was to become 
due and payable on the death of the insured, and plaintiff was 
entitled to recover as damages an amount corresponding with 
the number of members at the death of the intestate. 

St. Clair Co. Benev. Soc. vs. Fietsam, 97 ///., 474. 

20. Beneficiary certificate. Where the contract is in writ- 
ing, as in terms payable to the widow, the legal widow is enti- 
tled to the benefit ; and no evidence dehors , the written contract 
is admissible to vary its construction and show that another 
woman with whom the deceased went through the form of mar- 
riage and cohabited for many of the last years of his life, was 
intended. 

Bolton vs. Bolton, 73 Me., 299. 

21. Beneficiary, to whom payable. The constitution pro- 
vided, upon the death of a member, for the payment of a sum 
to the widow, children, or such person to whom the deceased 
may have disposed of the same by will or assignment; that if 
there be no widow or children, or the deceased shall have made 


70 


BENEFICIARY CERTIFICATE. 


no such disposition by will or assignment, the amount shall go 
to the permanent fund of the association, after payment of 
funeral expenses. The deceased left no widow, nor child, but 
left a will bequeathing all “ my estate ” to certain persons there- 
in named. Held 

First — That the fund assigned by this charter to the widow 
and children of the deceased, or his legatee or assignee, was not 
assets recoverable by his administrator or executor. 

Second — That the deceased member did not acquire any inter- 
est or property in the fund to be paid over to his widow, lega- 
tee, or assignee, but only a mere power of disposing of the 
same. 

Third— That the will was not a valid exercise of the power, 
the intention to exercise it not being expressed, and it not ap- 
pearing that there was no other money or property upon which 
it might operate. 

Fourth — That consequently, the excess of the fund, after pay- 
ing funeral expenses, should go to the association. 

Maryland Mut. Benev. Soc. vs. Clendinen, 44 Md., 429. 

Since the society was organized “ with a view to aid the families 
of deceased members, and to secure the widow and children of 
deceased members,” etc., the society had no power to provide that 
a member might dispose of the sum by will, even in the absence 
of a family. 

22. The Charter of an insurance company or relief associa- 
tion declared that its business “shall be to afford relief to the 
widows and children of the deceased members, and to such 
business it shall be limited and restricted.” In his application 
for a policy the insured designated his wife, or, if she was not 
living, his children, to receive the insurance at his death. After- 
wards, by agreement with the company, he assigned to it such 
insurance as security for his indebtedness to it for money 
loaned. 


BENEFICIARY CERTIFICATE. 


71 


In an action by the children on the policy it was adjudged 
that the assignment was void, the company having no power to 
take it. 

Dietrich vs. Madison Relief Assoc., 45 Wis., 79. The dissenting opin- 
ion of Ryan, Ch. J., gives better reasons to the contrary. 

23. To Whom payable. By the charter of an association, 
the interest of a member in the “ benefit fund ” must be paid 
as he should direct. The constitution directed that the direction 
as to whom the “benefit” should be paid might be made by 
entry upon a record book, whereupon a certificate should issue 
accordingly, and that the entry might at any time be changed. 
A member took out a certificate in favor of his wife, and after- 
wards another in favor of his daughter. It was adjudged that 
the latter was entitled to the fund. 

Tennessee Lodge vs. Ladd, 5 Lea , 716. 

24. The writing of directions by the holder of a certificate 
of membership upon the back thereof, that the sum secured 
should be distributed among certain beneficiaries, does not 
amount to an assignment of the certificate. 

St. Clair Co. Benev. Soc. vs. Fietsam, 97 III., 474. 

25. Equitable assignment. When neither the wife nor the 
children of the insured have any vested interest, conditional or 
otherwise, in an insurance of the party’s life so long as he lives, 
but the contract is between the insured and the insurer, the in- 
sured may make an equitable assignment of the same. Where 
the insured by will gave to his daughter the proceeds of a life 
insurance, and afterwards, being behindhand in his assessments, 
wrote to his wife that the inclosed note made the policy read 
for her benefit in case of his death if she wished to keep it up, 
and the “ enclosed note ” assigned the policy to her and she paid 
the assessment, it was held that this amounted to an equitable 
assignment of the sum payable by the policy on his death, 
though not of the sum payable for personal injury. 

Swift vs. Railway Conductors’ Mutual Aid, etc., Assoc., 96 III., 309. 


72 


BENEFICIARY CERTIFICATE, 


In this case the constitution of the association provided that 
the amount of the certificate should be payable to the person 
designated in the member’s will, if he should make one, other- 
wise to his widow and children, but the court ruled that the as- 
signment rendered the will so far ineffectual. 

2 6. Must resort to remedy of association. By the by-laws 
of a mutual benefit society it was required that before one of 
its members should be entitled to a sick benefit, he should sub- 
mit his claim to the “sick committee,” and must furnish a doc- 
tor’s certificate ; that his claim should not be considered before 
eight days from the date of his sickness, and if the sickness was 
caused by drunkenness or debauchery, he would not be entitled 
to the benefit. 

It was further provided that there should be a grievance com- 
mittee, who should have power to try all complaints brought to 
their notice, and from whose decision there should be no appeal. 
It was determined that these regulations were reasonable, and 
a member not complying with them would not be entitled to 
relief from the court, and before he would be entitled to recover 
the amount claimed as sick dues he must exhaust all the reme- 
dies given him by the association. 

Harrington vs. Workingmen’s Benev. Assoc., 27 Alb. Law J., 438 (Sup. 

Ct. Ga., April, 1883.) 

27. Members were entitled to participate in a beneficiary 
fund “upon compliance with the terms and requirements ” of 
the constitution of the society, “with the right to hold, dispose 
of, and fully control said benefits at all times.” A member held 
a certificate which entitled him to participate in the beneficiary 
fund to a specified amount, “ which sum, at his death, shall be 
paid to his wife, Eva R.” The wife having died, leaving no 
children, and afterward the husband, having the certificate in 
his sole possession, it was held that the estate of the latter, and 
not that of the wife, was entitled to the benefit of the cer- 
tificate. 


BENEFICIARY CERTIFICATE. 


73 


The court observed that this was not an ordinary contract of 
insurance made between an insurance company and another 
person, the rights of the parties to be determined exclusively 
by the policy ; for the rights of a member, and of any person 
claiming through him, depended, not on the certificate only, 
but rather on his membership in the association, and such rights 
were defined and controlled by the constitution and by-laws. 
The latter, as well as the certificate, shows that the members 
themselves are the beneficiaries entitled to the benefit of the fund. 
With this right at all times to hold, dispose of, and control, his 
mere designation of some person to receive the benefit would 
be revocable. It would not prevent his subsequently designat- 
ing some other person to receive it, while in case of his death, 
without having revoked his appointment of his wife, she would 
have been entitled to receive the benefit; yet during his life, 
because of the power of revocation, all that she had was a mere 
expectancy, dependent on his will and pleasure. That expec- 
tancy was not property, and it terminated when she died, and 
did not pass to her administrator. 

Richmond vs. Johnson, 28 Minn., 447. 26 Alb. Law /., 315. 10 

Northwest Rep., 596. (Sup. Ct. Minn., Dec., 1881.) 

28. Where the charter of an insurance company provides 
that “the fund created for the benefit of the widow and chil- 
dren of a deceased member shall be paid to them,” without fix- 
ing the proportion which each should take, the statutory rule 
as to the distinction of surplus personalty of an intestate will 
prevail. 

McLin vs. Calvert, 78 Ky., 472. 

29. A brother cannot give to his creditors a lien upon his beneficiary 
certificate payable to his wife and children, so that claims of such creditors may 
be enforced before the beneficiary fund is paid to the wife and children. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1882 ,p. 367. 


30. To whom paid. Where the beneficiary certificate directs payment to 
be made to the “ legal heirs" of the brother without naming them, then on 


74 


BENEFICIARY CERTIFICATE 


his decease the beneficiary sum can be paid to the administrator or executor of 
the estate duly appointed by the court. 

The Order is released from responsibility upon payment to the lawfully ap- 
pointed executor or administrator. 

Pro. Wis. G. L , 1881. 

Note. The foregoing decision is believed to be so far subject to limitations 
and instructions as to make its general application unsafe. 

Instead of the foregoing being the correct rule, it is suggested that payment 
should be made to those parties who sustain the relation of “ legal heirs,” if of 
full age, and to the guardian of such as are minors. 

31. Beneficiary direction. The brother directed payment of the bene- 
ficiary fund to “ my wife , T. M. W. (naming her). The beneficiary certificate 
was issued, but by mistake the name of the payee was omitted from the certifi- 
cate by the Grand Recorder. 

Subsequently the brother, without any formal action, wrote in the blank “ to 
my wife, T. M. W., and her children." 

Held by a majority of the committee, concurred in by the G. L. , that the 
beneficiary fund must be paid according to the direction shown by the records 
of the Grand and Subordinate Lodges. Case of W. & W. 

Pro. G. L. Term., 1879,/. 46. 

32. To whom payable. The brother directed the beneficiary fund to be 
paid “ to my wife.” 

After the death of the husband, and before payment, the wife died, leaving 
two children, who were taken to Kansas, where a guardian was appointed. 

The guardian sent letters of attorney to L. of Memphis, with power to collect 
the fund for the children. 

Held, an administrator of the wife’s estate must be appointed, who alone can 
receive and receipt for said fund. 

A foreign administrator or guardian cannot receipt for said fund. 

Case of J. A. W. Pro. G. L. Term., 1879,/. 46. 

33. The beneficiary fund was directed to be paid “ to my estate.” 

The brother died leaving a wife and child. The widow and the guardian of 
the child each claimed one-half the beneficiary sum. 

Held that the beneficiary sum should be paid only to a legally appointed ad- 
ministrator. 

Case of J. J. S. Pro. G. L. Term., 1879 , p. 46. 

34. Payment of beneficiary certificate. The following are some of the 
incidents of beneficiary certificates as defined by the G. M. W. of California, 
and as concurred in by the Grand Lodge : — 


BENEFICIARY CERTIFICATE. 


75 


The mere possession of a beneficiary certificate of a deceased brother gives no 
claim to the holder against the Order unless said certificate is payable to said 
holder. 

Beneficiary certificates are the Order’s promises to pay at a death, upon cer- 
tain conditions, all of which must be complied with, or the certificate is void. 

Therefore, although a party may have advanced money to the deceased, hold 
his note for the same, and also have in his possession said beneficiary certificate, 
unless said certificate positively directs that the money be paid to said holder 
and is so recorded in the Grand Lodge office, his claims cannot and will not be 
admitted, but the money must and will be paid as the certificate directs and as 
the record stands in the office of the Grand Recorder* 

Beneficiary certificates made payable “ to will ” or “ to order ” are only legally 
payable on presentation of a will or order for the following reasons : — 

Said certificates are but agreements to pay a certain amount upon the express 
condition that the requirements of law are complied with. 

These requirements are that when a brother applies for a certificate he shall 
specify to whom it is to be paid, and when it is delivered to him he is told it will 
be paid in the manner he has directed, and at his death the law requires it to be 
paid to the person named by the brother while living. 

Therefore a failure upon the part of the brother to comply with the law and 
give proper direction to the payment of the money legally releases the Order. 

Beneficiary money can only be considered as part of a deceased brother’s es- 
tate when the certificate reads “ payable to my estate ” or “ subject to my debts.” 
{Dig., isl Ed., 206.) 

The Supreme Court of many States have decided that beneficiary moneys of 
this character cannot be taken by creditors. 

No claim of an administrator can be admitted, recognized or allowed except 
in a case as above, or where there is a question, etc., when the heirs may select 
an administrator. (Par. 233, Dig., 1st Ed) 

But while holding that there is no legal objection to pay those certificates made 
payable “ to will ” or “ order,” where no will or order has been made, it is also 
held that there is a fraternal and moral obligation resting upon us, and that it is 
not designed to convey the idea that the payment of the money is sought to be 
evaded, but that no legal claim is acknowledged 

If a beneficiary certificate is made payable to Mary Jones, and she dies after 
the death of the member making the certificate and before the money is paid, 
said money is payable to the heirs [personal representatives] of said Mary 
Jones. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1882 ,pp. 16, 121. 

35 - Payable to “heirs.” Where a brother makes his beneficiary certifi- 


76 


BENEFICIARY CERTIFICATE. 


cate payable to “heirs,” it cannot be paid to a third person, although proof can 
be made that it was the deceased brother’s desire. 

The certificate must govern. 

Pro. G. L. Md , N. J., and Del., 1884. 

36 . Note. — No certificate should ever be made payable “ to myself ” “to 
estate” etc., unless it is designed by the member to relinquish the beneficiary 
fund to the claims of creditors after his decease, in preference to the rights of 
his family. 

No certificate should ever be made payable under any circumstances to “ my 
order,” or “ to my will,” “ subject to my will,” “ in accordance with the pro- 
vision of my will,” etc., for the reason that such a provision places the Order in 
the oftentimes difficult and always incongruous position of an executor or a 
trustee, and the attention of all officers whose duties are involved in the issuing 
of beneficiary certificates should not be relaxed upon this point. 

37. Minnesota. The jurisdiction of Minnesota has made changes in the 
beneficiary article, among others as follows : — 

Section one is amended so as to read, “ the moneys payable under the certifi- 
cate of such deceased brother shall be paid as follows to the persons and in the 
order named, and not otherwise : — 

“1st. To the person designated by the deceased brother, provided such person 
is designated by name, and is a person other than the deceased, having an in- 
surable interest in the life of the deceased. 

“2d. When no such person is named, and incases where the certificate is pay- 
able to the deceased brother, then, and in that case, 1. To the wife and children 
of the deceased brother then and there alive 2. To the wife of the deceased 
brother. 3 To the father and mother of the deceased brother then and there 
alive. 4. To the surviving father or mother 5. To the brother and sister of 
the deceased or their issue, if any are living, share and share alike. 6. To the 
surviving brother or sister if only one, and no issue of other brothers or sisters 
are living. 7 To the administrator or executor of the deceased brother. 

“ Provided such member shall have complied, etc., etc.” 

Art. XIV, § 1, Const. G. L. Minn 

[Art. VIII, Ben. Art., Sup. L., as amended ’.] 

While this provision was approved by the Supreme Lodge so far as it related 
to the separate jurisdiction of Minnesota, a proposition to engraft it upon the 
general laws of the Order was disapproved of. 

Pages 62 and 85 S. L. Sess. , 1883. 




BENEFICIARY CERTIFICATE. 77 


38. Change of direction as to payment. Any member 
holding a beneficiary certificate, desiring at any time to 
make a new direction as to its payment, may do so by author- 
izing such change in writing on the back of his certificate 
in the form prescribed, attested by the Recorder, with the seal 
of the Lodge attached, and by the payment to the Supreme (or 
Grand) Lodge the sum of fifty cents; but no change of direc- 
tion shall be valid or have any binding force or effect, until said 
change shall have been reported to the Supreme Recorder, the 
old certificate, if practicable, filed with him, and a new bene- 
ficiary certificate issued thereon, and said new certificate shall 
be numbered the same as the old certificate. 

39. Provided, however, should it be impracticable for the 
Recorder to witness the change desired by the brother, attesta- 
tion may be made by a notary public or an officer of a court 
of record, seal to be attached in attest. 

Sup. L. Const., Art. VIII, §18. 

40. A member of a Lodge changed the direction as to the 
payment of his beneficiary certificate, or rather added to it, by 
directing that the Lodge should pay his honest debts out of the 
$2,000, and the balance as he had before directed. An admin- 
istrator had been appointed on the estate of the deceased. The 
Supreme Recorder was directed to make the warrant for the 
$2,000 payable to the administrator. 

Pro. bth Ann. Sess . S. L.,pp. 359 . 388. 

41. If a brother had directed that the $2,000 should be paid to his minor 
heirs, and afterwards changes the direction so as to make the benefit payable to 
other parties, the minor heirs have then no claim upon the same, and cannot 
maintain a suit against the Supreme Lodge for it. 

Pro. bth Ann. Sess. S. L., p. 396. 

42. A brother can change the direction as to payment of his beneficiary cer- 
tificate, so as to make it payable to parties not related to his family. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 208. 




78 


BENEFICIARY CERTIFICATE 


43. Note. In Michigan, Ohio, Missouri, and other States, the beneficiary 
certificate cannot be made payable to any other than the family or heirs of the 
members. The Supreme Court of Ohio has decided that the payment of a bene- 
ficiary certificate to any other than the family or heirs of the member is against 
public policy, and therefore “ null and void ” As a matter of general policy it 
is recommended that no beneficiary certificate be issued payable to any but the 
family or heirs of the member, or, in other words, to any one except such as 
whose natural affection, by reason of being once of the family or next of kin of 
the person, is more interested in their life than in the death of a member. 

44. Michigan. The beneficiary article of Michigan omits the concluding 
paragraph of § 17, as contained in the foregoing, from and including the words 

but no change of direction,” etc., to the end of the section. 

In place of the paragraph omitted it has the following : — 

“ Said certificate shall be forwarded to the Grand Recorder with the necessary 
fee. A record shall be made of the change in the Grand Lodge register, and a 
new certificate issued payable as directed (in the surrendered certificate), bearing 
the same number as the original certificate.” 

Art. VII, § 18, Const. G. L. Mich. 

45. Where a person holds the beneficiary certificate, refuses to sur- 
render its possession, and the member desires a change, the Grand Recorder, on 
proper proof, may issue a new certificate. 

Pro. G L. Tenn ., 1881,/. 14. 

46. Note. — It is presumed that the above decision refers to the issuing of a 
duplicate certificate, and not a new certificate. In such cases the duplicate should 
be first made, and then the directions as to the change should be indicated on 
such duplicate. 

47. Member alone can ask for change of certificate. Any change in 
the beneficiary certificate must be asked for by the member. 

It cannot be asked for by the Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Kansas , 1881, p. 91. 

48. A new beneficiary payee cannot be named in the certificate while a 
member remains insane. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1884. 

49. A brother desiring to make a change in his beneficiary certificate 
shall make application on the back of his certificate, giving directions, attested 
by the Recorder of the Lodge, with the seal attached, paying fifty cents for the 
same. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 12. 


BENEFICIARY CERTIFICATE 


79 


When it is impracticable to procure possession of the original beneficiary cer- 
tificate, or when the same may have become lost or destroyed, upon sworn 
proof of such fact being presented to the Supreme or Grand Recorder, he should 
issue a duplicate of such original, and if any change is desired then, such dupli- 
cate may be treated as the original beneficiary certificate. 

50. Cancellation. It is not necessary to take up the beneficiary certificate 
upon the granting of a withdrawal [clearance ?] card. 

Pro. Ohio G. L., 1883. 

51. The direction for payment of the beneficiary sum may be changed 
without the consent of the payee named. 

See Pro. Illinois G. Z., 1883,/. 648. 

52. Beneficiary certificates are mere receipts showing the interest of the 
member in the beneficiary fund, with a direction to whom the interest shall be 
paid at death. 

It follows from this that the person to whom the certificate is issued is always, 
in contemplation of law, the holder of the certificate, no matter who may have 
the actual possession of it. 

If destroyed or out of control of the member, he is, on a proper showing, en- 
titled to a duplicate. 

It also follows that, having accepted a certificate with certain beneficiaries 
named in it, if the member wishes to change it, he must strictly comply with the 
law of the Order on that subject. 

It is said that naming the person to whom payment should be made is in the 
nature of a gift. 

If this is so, it is unexecuted, and is under the control of the maker, subject 
to the limitation of his contract with the Order. 

In brief, the contract on the part of the Order is that in consideration of his 
compliance with the rules and regulations of the Order, it will, at his death, pay 
to the person named in his certificate the sum of two thousand dollars, and that 
if he wishes it paid to any other person or persons he must comply with the law 
of the Order, that requires him to make such change on the back of his certifi- 
cate, etc. 

The result of this is that if so changed it is valid, if not it is void, and that 
during the lifetime of the holder no person can acquire any interest that cannot 
be diverted by a compliance with the section of the constitution referred to. 

See Pro. G. L. 111 ., 1883,/. 648. 

53. Charles F. Lany was a member of the Order ; his beneficiary certificate 
being payable to his brother’s children. 


80 


BENEFICIARY CERTIFICATE. 


Having subsequently made a will disposing of the proceeds of this certificate 
to other persons, the member died. 

The fund was claimed by the guardians of the children, and by the acting ex- 
ecutors of the will. 

The money was paid into court by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania (in 
which jurisdiction Lany was a member), and in an action brought in the Orphan’s 
Court of Allegheny County to determine to whom the money belonged, it was 
awarded to the guardian of the children. 

The following opinion was written : — 

Hawkins, P. J. 

As between Charles F. Lany (the member, Rev. note) and the children of 
Jacob Lany, the policy of life insurance described in this case became the sub- 
ject of an executed gift to the latter from its date. 

There was no condition, qualification nor power of revocation appearing on 
the face of the policy by means of which the assured could change the bene- 
ficiaries. When the policy was issued he had done everything which was then 
in his power to make the gift complete. It is true he might subsequently refuse 
to pay the premiums; but, having paid them, they necessarily inured to the bene- 
fit of the donors. The gift was absolute. There is nothing in the laws of the 
Order which issued the policy from which an argument can be drawn that the 
gift is executory and therefore revocable. 

The article upon which counsel for the executors relied is a mere regulation 
of the mode of transfer of policies, and was intended exclusively for the benefit 
of the insurers. It gave no quality of assignability to the policy. 

Such regulations are common to life insurance companies, and no case has 
been found in which they were treated as reservations of the right of revoca- 
tion. 

The case of Chapin vs. Fellows, 36 Conn ., 132, bears a strong analogy to the 
present. 

There a policy of life insurance on the life of the husband had been issued for 
the benefit of the wife, and in case the latter died first, to her children. 

The wife having died before her husband, the latter procured the policy to be 
cancelled and another issued in its stead, in his own name. 

On the death of the assured it was held that, as between creditors of the as- 
sured and the children of the deceased wife, the latter were entitled to the pro- 
ceeds of the policy, as having a vested interest which could not be diverted. 

The effect of the attempted change of beneficiaries in the present case, if 
valid, would be to defeat the declared object of the Order in issuing the policy. 

That object was to aid the family of the assured. 

The title to the policy would, if the contention of the executors be sustained, 





BENEFICIARY CERTIFICATE. 


81 



rest in the assured and pass to his executors at his death for the benefit, first, of 
creditors, and second, of legatees. 

The family of the assured might never receive any benefit whatever. 
McBride’s Appeal, 72 Pa. St., 480. 

And there would thus be no guarantee against want so far as the family of the 
assured were concerned. The executors can therefore have no title to the fund. 
There is no merit in the question of want of interest. The executors are in 

1 

no better position than the guardian. Indeed, the assured stood in a family 
relation to the children of Jacob Lany, and was under special obligation to 
them. 

Leaving his creditors out of consideration, some of his beneficiaries named in 
the will appear to have been strangers in blood to him. The insurers raise no 
objection on the ground of interest. 

Jacob F. Lany, the next of kin, raises no objection. Who else has a right to 
do so? Surely not the executors. It was the family that was intended to be 
benefited, and the policy was issued with that object, and that solely. 

Who constituted the family, the policy describes, and the parties to the con- 
tract of assurance were competent to declare. 


Gilvey vs. Hey, 1 Hare, 580. 


From the decree entered in accordance with the above opinion, an appeal was 
taken by the executors, and the case was carried to the Supreme Court of Penn- 
sylvania. 

In the latter court it was contended on the part of the executors’ appellants : 

1st. That the direction given by Charles F. Lany as to the disposition of the 
proceeds of the certificate was testamentary, and was revoked by his will. 

2d. That the children of Jacob F. Lany had no insurable interest in the life of 
their uncle, Charles F. Lany. 

3d. That said children did not come within the meaning of the word “family,” 
as used in the charter of the Order. 

It was contended, on the part of the guardian-appellee, that the consti- 
tution and laws of the Order are a law to the members. 

Citing Thompson vs. Adams et al , 7 IV. N. C., 81. 

(2.) That the contract was to pay, not to the executors of C. F. Lany, but to 
the children of Jacob F. Lany. 

(3.) Treating it as a gift from C. F. Lany to the children of his brother, it was 
executed and irrevocable. / 

Citing Delamator s Estate, 1 Wh., 375 * 

4th The question as to want of interest does not arise in this case. 

Elliott’s Executor’s Appeal, 14 Wr., 82. 


G 


82 


BENEFICIARY CERTIFICATE. 


The decision was as follows : 

Per Curiam : 

The appropriation made by Lany of the moneys payable at his death on the 
beneficiary certificate could be revoked by him only in the mode appointed in 
the regulations adopted by the Grand Lodge of the Ancient Order of United 
Workmen by which it was issued. It had an unquestionable right to make 
such a regulation. The regulation was that “ any member holding a beneficiary 
certificate, desiring at any time to make a new direction as to its payment, may 
do so by authorizing such change in writing on the back of his beneficiary cer- 
tificate, in the form prescribed, attested by the Recorder, with the seal of the 
Lodge attached, and by the payment to the Grand Lodge of the sum of fifty 
cents.” 

No doubt it was adopted with a view to prevent the Lodge from being involved 
in litigation with outside claimants. 

If Lany could revoke it by will, there is no reason why he could not do so by 
parol. 

If it was his so absolutely that he could dispose of it by will, it would un- 
doubtedly be liable for his debts. 

One object of this regulation was to prevent this, and to secure it to such per- 
sons as he might desire. 

We think the decree of the Orphan’s Court was right. 

Decree affirmed, and appeal dismissed at cost of appellant. 

Vollman's Appeal , 92 Pa. State Reports , p. 50. 

54. When certificate treated as lost. A beneficiary certificate, the custody 
of which is retained by the wife of a member against his will, she being the bene- 
ficiary named therein, may be treated as lost. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1884. 

55. Change of certificate. A beneficiary certificate having been made 
payable to a friend of the member, the holder would not relinquish possession of 
the certificate, nor consent to a change. 

Held that the member should be required to sign a full and complete release to 
the Order of all liability under said certificate, and make a formal application for 
a new (duplicate) certificate. 

As an additional precaution, the holder of the original certificate should be 
formally notified of the change. 

Pro. G. L. of N. Y., 1879. 

56. Change of certificate. A beneficiary certificate cannot be changed 
without compliance with the provisions of Section 17 of the beneficiary law, and 


BENEFICIARY CERTIFICATE. 


83 


should be held by the beneficiary named therein, if he desires to prevent a change 
without his consent. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1883. 

57. Change of certificate. A member makes affidavit that his certificate 
is in possession of the beneficiary named therein, who refuses to surrender it, 
and that he desires to change the direction. 

Held that he was entitled to a new (duplicate) certificate without returning the 
old one. 

Pro. Sth Ann. Sess. Sup. L., 1880,/. 188. 

58. The M. W. degree should never be conferred, nor a vote be taken 
upon the application for said degree, until the Lodge has received from the 
Grand [Supreme] Recorder the beneficiary certificate (the institution of a new 
Lodge alone excepted), when, the degree having been conferred, the certificate 
should be immediately signed, sealed, dated and registered in the certificate reg- 
ister-book, and given to the brother. 

Penna. Rev. Dec. (No. 25 ), p. 7. 

59. New Lodge. In instituting new Lodges, the applications 
and medical examiner’s certificates of the charter members 
thereof shall be attested and approved by the instituting officer, 
and in such eases the degrees may be conferred as provided in 
Article X, Section 3 of this constitution ; the instituting offi- 
cer, as soon as the Lodge is organized, forwarding to the Grand 
or Supreme Medical Examiner, as the case may be, said appli- 
cations and medical examiner’s certificates with the required 
fee. Upon the return of said applications to the Lodge duly 
approved by the Grand or Supreme Medical Examiner, the 
Lodge will forward the same, together with the fee for bene- 
ficiary certificate, to the Grand or Supreme Recorder, as the 
case may be. 

Art. VIII, § 18, Sup. L. Const. 

60. The beneficiary certificates of a new Lodge cannot be made out so 
as to give them to the members the night of the institution. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 205. 

61. No action by Lodge on suspension of certificate. The 

certificate of each member who has not paid such assessment 


84 


BENEFICIARY CERTIFICATE 


on or before the 28th of said month shall, by the fact of such 
non-payment, stand suspended, and no action upon the part of 
the Lodge, or any officer thereof, shall be required as essential 
to such suspension. 

2d Clause, § 9, Art. VIII, Sup. L . Const. 

62. Duty of Financier on receipt of arrearage. The 

Financier shall upon the receipt of any arrearages from bene- 
ficiary assessments, as provided for in Sections 10, 11, 12 and 
13 of this Article, pay the same into the beneficiary fund 
(said amount from arrearages to be forwarded to the Supreme 
Recorder upon the first order on said fund thereafter), and no- 
tify the Lodge of the same, and the Recorder shall so place it 
on the minutes of the Lodge, and mark the certificates so paid 
as renewed on the certificate register-book, affixing the date 
thereto. 

3d Clause, § 9, Art. VIII, Sup . L. Const. 

63. When Junior Workmen are suspended or expelled from the Lodge, 
their beneficiary certificates must be returned to the Grand Recorder. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 150. 

64. A beneficiary certificate issued by the Grand Lodge to a member 
who does not receive the M. W. degree for months after the certificate is issued 
is all that is needed. No new one is necessary. (10th A. S.) Pa. G. L., id., 174. 

65. A brother’s beneficiary certificate cannot be suspended after his 
death. If he dies in good standing the Lodge has no claims against his estate 
or his beneficiary, but the full sum of $2,000 is due as directed in case of his 
death. (10th A. S.) id., 182. 

66. The laws of the Order provide no method of enforcing payment of 
assessments other than by the suspension of beneficiary certificates. (10th A. 
S.) id., 183. 

67. The application for change in direction of payment of beneficiary 
certificate must be made at a stated meeting of the Lodge, under seal of the 
Lodge. Id., 21 1. 

68. Monthly report. Each Subordinate Lodge shall make 
full report to the Supreme or Grand Recorder every thirty days 
of all certificates suspended, annulled, withdrawn, or renewed: 

Art. VIII, § 7, Sup. L. Const. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1880, p. 168. 


BENEFICIARY CERTIFICATE. 


85 


69. Certificate obtained by fraud is void. The beneficiary certificate of 
a member who, while under suspension in a sister jurisdiction, obtains admission 
to a Lodge in this State as a charter member, is void on account of fraud. 

That the facts are known to the instituting officer does not change the case. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1879. 

70. Change of charter does not invalidate certificate. The Grand Re. 
corder issued a charter to a Subordinate Lodge, located at Toledo. The charter 
was subsequently changed so as to locate the Lodge at West Toledo. 

Held that the change did not affect the validity of beneficiary certificates. 

Pro. G. L. Ohio , 1883. 

71. Where a P. M. W. acts as M. W. of the Lodge in conferring degree 
and signs the beneficiary certificate as M. W. pro tem , it does not affect the le- 
gality of the certificate. The M. W., if present, should sign. 

Pro. Pa. G. L., 1883 ,p. 22. 

72. Irregularity in application — Duty of Grand Recorder. It is the duty 
of the Grand Recorder, should there exist any irregularity in the Medical Exam- 
iner’s certificate, or the application for beneficiary certificate, or any evidence in 
his office affecting the risk, to refer the same back to the Lodge, requesting ex- 
amination or correction of the same. 

Dig., 1st Ed ., par. 196. 

73. Refusal of certificate by Grand Master Workman. Grand Master 
Workmen have the right, and it is a duty, to refuse the issuance of a beneficiary 
certificate when, in their opinion, the applicant is morally and physically disqual- 
ified, notwithstanding the applicant may have been elected by a Lodge. 

Pro. G L. &th Ann. Sess., 1880,/. 189. 

74. Michigan. Beneficiary certificates shall not be made payable to any 
person or persons other than the family or heirs of the applicant. 

See No. 90 Compiled Laws of Mich., 1871. 

See Objects of the Order. 

75. Wager Policy. 

The plaintiff in error is organized under Chapter 90 of the 
Compiled Laws. The act authorizes any number of persons 
not less than five to organize as a corporation for the purpose of 
securing “ to the family or heirs of any member upon his death 
a certain sum of money, to be paid out of the corporate funds, 






86 


BENEFICIARY CERTIFICATE. 


or by an assessment upon the members in the class to which the 
deceased belonged. The principal facts in this case are that 
Isaiah Phair, on the 22d day of November, 1879, made a written 
application upon one of the blank forms of the association for 
a $5,000 certificate, to be made payable to Enos Hoyt. In the 
application Phair stated that he was not related to Hoyt. In 
the beneficiary certificate were these words — ‘does promise to 
pay to Enos Hoyt, friend of Isaiah Phair, of Jackson, Michigan, 
his executors, administrators, or assigns, the sum of $5,000/ etc. 
The proper medical report was made and money premium paid, 
and a certificate issued on the 20th day of November, 1879. 
Phair died March 4, 1880. The association declined to pay 
upon several grounds, the most important and the only one we 
shall consider being that Hoyt was not a member of Phair’s fam- 
ily or one of his heirs. * * * The application, signed by 

Phair and delivered to the company, and upon which the cer- 
tificate was issued, showed clearly and without any ambiguity 
or uncertainty that the certificate to be issued was to be made 
payable to Hoyt, who was no relation to the applicant. * * * 

“It is thus clearly seen that the association, in accepting the 
application, receiving the premium, and issuing the certificate, 
knew that Hoyt was not a relative and was not claimed to be a 
member of Phair’s family, or an heir, within even the most lib- 
eral terms of construction. So that the association issued this 
certificate under circumstances which most strongly call upon 
the courts to enforce performance of their agreement, if certain 
imperative rules of public policy do not forbid. The defence 
set up in this case must be considered as that of the public, and 
not that of the defendant, as it stands in no position to inter- 
pose such a defence. The testimony of Hoyt shows that this 
contract was in the nature of a mere wager policy, and that his 
interest could not be promoted by prolonging the life of Phair. 
Such contracts are so clearly contrary to public policy that 
they cannot be upheld, and must be declared absolutely void.” 

Mutual Benefit Association vs. Hoyt, 49 Mich. 


BENEFICIARY CERTIFICATE. 


87 


Change of Certificate. A case upon the right of the member to alter his 
beneficiaries by will is the Supreme Council vs. Priest, decided by same court. 
The society was a corporation organized and existing under the laws of New 
York. The syllabus of the decision is as follows : 

A member of a benefit society was entitled upon his death to 
have the sum of $2,000 paid to the person or persons named by 
him and entered by his order upon the will-book of the society. 
He directed, and there was so entered, that $100 should be paid 
to his daughter, and $1,900 to his wife, reserving the right of 
changing beneficiaries or annulling the disposition. Subse- 
quently he made a will revoking his former disposition, and pro- 
viding that after payment of debts $500 should go to his wife ; 
remainder to be equally divided among his children (five). Held , 
that the will was a valid disposition of the fund, although not 
entered in the society’s will-book, and payment should be made 
directly to the beneficiaries. 

Note. — There should be this difference noted in reference to the last decision 
as applicable to the members of our Order. The first decision having deter- 
mined who are beneficiaries under our statute, the last decision would uphold 
the will in case it named beneficiaries entitled to participate in the fund in accord- 
ance with the statute. 

76. Note. — Beneficiary certificates should never be issued containing any re- 
servation of a right to dispose of the beneficiary fund by will or otherwise. The 
name of the payees should be specified, and the methods of changing the dispo- 
sition of the beneficiary fund should be only those directed by the laws of the 
Order. 

77. Illinois. A brother died, leaving a wife and children, his beneficiary 
certificate being payable to his “legal heirs.” Under this direction his wife 
does not receive any of the beneficiary fund. 

See Definition of “ legal heirs,” 88 Illinois Reports , p. 251. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1882 ,p. 366. 

Note. — This is not of general application, as in many States the “ wife ” is an 
heir of her husband. 

78. There is nothing in the laws of the Order forbidding payment of a bene- 
ficiary certificate in public, but such a method is not to be favored. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1881,/. 262. 

But good taste would seem to forbid the public parade of the Order’s charity, 
or making this payment a feature of an entertainment. 


88 


BENEFICIARY ARTICLE. 


BENEFICIARY FUND. 

79. Beneficiary fund to be kept separate from general 
fund. The Receiver shall keep a separate and distinct account 
of the beneficiary fund. 

Const. Sub. Z., Art. X, § 6. 

80. One of the great objects of the Order is its beneficiary system, with- 
out which it nowhere exists. 

Although this system is conducted with reference to approved business ideas, 
yet its foundation is benevolence as opposed to avarice, and the plan manifestly 
comprehends and embodies the charity and fraternity of the Order. 

The first principle which governs the beneficiary fund is its inviolability, and 
the laws of all jurisdictions are framed with intent to preserve this unimpaired. 

81. Beneficiary funds to be sacredly kept. The beneficiary funds shall 
be kept sacred for the purpose designated in the laws of the Order, and shall 
only be used in the payment of death assessments. 

Fro. 5 th Ann. Sess. S. L. t p. 291. 

BENEFICIARY ARTICLE 

Governing Subordinate Lodges under the Immediate Jurisdiction of the 
Supreme Lodge, and being of General Application. 

82. Upon the death of an- M. W. degree member in good 
standing of a Subordinate Lodge of the Order, under the juris- 
diction of the Supreme Lodge of the Ancient Order of United 
Workmen, such person or persons as said member may have di- 
rected, while living, shall be entitled to receive of the bene- 
ficiary fund of the Order the sum of two thousand dollars ; 
provided said members shall have complied in all particulars 
with all the laws, regulations and requirements of the Order, 
and with the following conditions : (See § 2.) 

§ 1, Art. VIII, Sup. L. Const. 

83. Any member suspended or expelled from the Order, for 
any cause whatever, forfeits all claims to the beneficiary fund 
during said suspension or expulsion. 

§ 14, Art. VIII, Sup. L. Const. 


BENEFICIARY ARTICLE, 


89 


84. Each member, upon receiving the J. W. degree and ap- 
plying for the M. W. degree, shall make an application for the 
rights, privileges and benefits of the Order, in substance as fol- 
lows, which shall be attested by the Recorderof the Subordinate 
Lodge, with the seal attached : 

FORM OF AP PLICA TION . 

I, , having made application for the M. W. degree in 

Lodge, No. — , Ancient Order of United Workmen, State of , 

do hereby agree that compliance on my part with all the laws, 
regulations and requirements which are or may be enacted by 
said Order, is the express condition upon which I am to be en- 
titled to participate in the beneficiary fund, and have and enjoy 
all the other benefits and privileges of said Order. 

I certify that the answers made by me to the questions pro- 
pounded by the Medical Examiner of this Lodge, which are at- 
tached to this application, and form a part thereof, are true. 

I further agree that the certificate to be issued hereon shall 
have no binding force whatever until I shall have taken the M. 
W. degree of said Order, and until my medical examination has 
been approved by the Supreme or Grand Medical Examiner or 
examining board. 

I hereby authorize and direct that the amount to which I may 
be entitled of said beneficiary fund shall at my death be paid 
to . 

[Seal.] 

Attest : , Recorder. Applicant. 

85. Each applicant, upon signing the aforesaid application 
for certificate, shall pay to the Financier the sum of two dollars, 
one dollar of which shall be known as the beneficiary fund, and 
shall be placed as hereinafter provided ; the remaining one dol- 
lar to be forwarded by the Recorder of the Subordinate Lodge 
to the Supreme or Grand Recorder (the same to be placed by 
him in the Supreme Lodge general fund), together with the 
aforesaid Medical Examiner’s report and application for certifi- 


90 


BENEFICIARY ARTICLE. 


cate; provided, that Grand Lodges may reduce the sum as 
aforesaid to be paid for the certificate. 

§ 3, Art. VIII, Sup. L. Const. 

86 . Note . — Immediately after the initiatory or Junior Workman degree has 
been conferred upon a person becoming a member of the Order, he is conducted 
to the Recorder’s desk and makes application for the succeeding degree, and also 
signs an application for his beneficiary certificate. The blank form of this ap- 
plication is printed on the back of the Medical Examiner’s report. In it the ap- 
plicant also names the person or persons to whom the amount guaranteed by 
the certificate is to be paid at his death. If more than one person is named, the 
amount to be paid to each should be specifically stated, if practicable. This ap- 
plication is attested by the signature of the Recorder and the seal of the Lodge. 
At the same time the applicant pays to the Financier two dollars, one dollar of 
which goes into the beneficiary fund, and one dollar (as a certificate fee) into the 
general fund of the Grand or Supreme Lodge. Grand Lodges have the right to 
reduce the amount of this fee, or to abolish it. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 194. 

87. Notice of death and assessment by Supreme (or 
Grand) Recorder. Upon the death of any brother lawfully en- 
titled to participate in the beneficiary fund as hereinbefore pro- 
vided, it shall be the duty of the Subordinate Lodge of which 
he was a member to notify officially, by pre-cribed form of 
death notice, the Supreme (or Grand) Recorder, who shall, on 
the first day of the following month, notify each Subordinate 
Lodge in his jurisdiction when the beneficiary fund on hand in 
each Subordinate Lodge (the same being one dollar for each 
valid certificate, and such sums as may have been received for 
certificates renewed) shall immediately be forwarded to the 
Supreme (or Grand) Recorder, and a record thereof entered 
upon the minutes. 

Clause 1, § 8, Art. VIII (Ben. Art.), Sup. L. Const. 

\ 

88 . Proof of death. There is no general law specifying the proof required 
to establish the fact of the death of a brother. The form, however, which is laid 
down in the Digest as adopted by the Supreme Lodge has been generally adopted 
by all Grand Lodges. This form requires the sworn statement of the attending 
physician and undertaker. In ordinary cases the fact of death is so well known 


BENEFICIARY ARTICLE. 


91 


to members of the Lodge as to leave no room for doubt ; but in cases of the re- 
ported death of an absent brother, or in cases in which the fact of death is not 
well known by the Lodge, the strictest care should be taken to ascertain fully 
the fact of death and the identity of the brother, before the notice is sent to the 
Supreme or Grand Recorder. When the officers of the Lodge cannot certify to 
the death from personal knowledge, sworn proof should be required, and this 
proof should be forwarded with the death notice. 

89. Where a brother dies outside of this country, his death certificate may be 
made by and before any officer authorized to take acknowledgment of deeds. 

Pro. G. L. Md., Del. and N. J. 

90. When the physician and undertaker certify to the death and burial 
of a member of a Lodge by a name containing a middle letter, which does not 
appear in any papers or signature of the member, the Master Workman, Finan- 
cier and Recorder must satisfy themselves that it is the same person known as a 
member of the Lodge without the middle letter, and shall report the facts to the 
Grand Recorder. 

Note . — Where beneficiary certificates are made payable to “wife and children," 
great care should be taken that the names of all children should be given in full, 
and that children by a former wife are not overlooked and omitted, as the Grand 
or Supreme Lodge is dependent upon the Subordinate Lodge for these (quote 
where come from) facts. 

91. Proof of death. Where a by-law of a mutual benefit 
society provided “ that proof of death shall be made on blanks 
to be furnished by the society, with the seal of the Lodge to 
which the member belongs, or of the nearest Lodge to the de- 
ceased,” it was ruled that upon the society’s refusal (on proper 
application) to furnish the blanks mentioned, proper proof of 
death might be made without them, and in such case the proofs 
need not bear the Lodge seal spoken of. 

Gellatly vs. Minnesota Odd Fellows, etc., Society, 27 Minn ., 215. 

And a refusal to send the customary blanks for proofs of death 
is a waiver of the condition as to furnishing proofs, a sixty days 
after receipt and acceptance of ” which the amount of insurance 
was to be paid. 

Grattan vs. Metropolitan Life Ins. Co., 80 N. Y, 281; 36 Am. 

Pep., 617. 


92 


BENEFICIARY ARTICLE. 


92. Proof of death. A condition requiring due notice and 
proof of death can only be complied with by furnishing to the 
company evidence, in some form, of the death of the insured ; 
a mere notice without proof is not sufficient. And where a sim- 
ple notice is given, an omission of the company to notify the 
claimant that the notice is not proof is not a waiver of the con- 
dition. 

O’Reilly vs. Guardian Mutual Ins. Co., 60 N. Y., 169. 

93. Death, proof Of. The by-laws of a Masonic insurance 
company provided that the death of a member was to be made 
known to the company by the affidavit of two respectable wit- 
nesses, the genuineness of which should be vouched for by the 
secretary of the Lodge nearest the place of the decease, in which 
affidavit should be stated when, where, and how deceased came 
to his death ; that this proof should be laid by the president 
before the board of directors at their next monthly meeting, 
and upon their decision each member of deceased’s class should 
be assessed $1. M. disappeared in Nov. 1869; about two years 
thereafter the board of directors passed a resolution declaring 
themselves satisfied of his death, and ordering an assessment, 
though no regular proof of death was ever presented. Held, 
that the company was bound by the resolution of the directors, 
and that the assessment should be made on those who were 
members of the company at the date thereof, and not on such 
as were members at the time of the disappearance. 

Miller vs. Georgia Masonic Mut. Life Ins. Co., 57 Geo., 221. 

94- Forwarding of assessment by Sub. Lodge. The Fi- 
nancier of the Subordinate Lodge shall pay over to the Receiver, 
each meeting night, all beneficiary moneys, taking his receipt 
therefor, and make report thereof in writing, which shall be en- 
tered on the minutes, which moneys shall be forwarded by the 
Rereiver to the Supreme (or Grand) Recorder, according to the 
provisions of Sec. 8 of this Article. Upon the payment of each 
assessment notice, the Subordinate Lodge shall forward to the 
Supreme (or Grand) Recorder, in addition to the beneficiary 


BENEFICIARY ARTICLE. 


93 


fund, the sum of fifty cents, which shall be placed in the Su- 
preme (or Grand) Lodge general fund. 

Art. VIII, §i5i Sup. L. Const. 

95. Duty of the officers to forward the fund. Note— Sec. 8, of Art. VIII, 

Supreme Lodge constitution, requires that upon a Subordinate Lodge receiving 
notice of an assessment, the beneficiary fund on hand “ shall immediately be for- 
warded,” and Sec. 15 of the same article, specifies that the fund shall be for- 
warded by the Receiver according to the provisions of Section 8. No vote or 
action of the Lodge is therefore required to forward the money. It is the duty 
of the Receiver to forward, through the Recorder, the amount immediately 
after the notice has been received by the Lodge. Sec. 6, of Art. X, Subordinate 
Lodge constitution, makes the rule still more explicit as to Subordinate Lodges 
under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge, and provides that the 
receipt of the Supreme Receiver to the Supreme Recorder shall be the Receiver’s 
voucher to the Lodge. In some grand jurisdictions, an order for the amount 
to be remitted is drawn, and signed by the Recorder and Master Workman. 
This rule, whilst different from that adopted by the Supreme Lodge for the Subor- 
dinate Lodges under its immediate jurisdiction, does not appear to be contrary to 
the general law on the subject in the sections of the constitutions referred to. 
The beneficiary fund must, of course, be kept separate from the general fund, and 
when orders are drawn upon it as above stated, the order should specify the 
fund upon which they are drawn, and should be in a series separate and distinct 
from those drawn upon the general fund. 

No action of the Lodge is necessary to instruct the Receiver to forward 
the beneficiary fund, but he should, at the first meeting of the Lodge after the 
receipt of notice of assessment, notify the Lodge of the forwarding of the bene- 
ficiary fund, and a record of the same should be made upon the minutes of the 
Lodge. The notice of assessment, under the seal of the Supreme (or Grand) 
Lodge constitutes a legal draft on said fund, and the receipt of the Supreme (or 
Grand) Lodge for the same should be read in open Lodge, and given to the Re- 
ceiver, the same being his lawful voucher to the Lodge. 

Dig., 1st Ed. par. 283-284. 

96. Fund to be forwarded immediately. When an assessment call is is- 
sued, the amount of beneficiary fund on hand in a Subordinate Lodge (being one 
dollar for each valid certificate, and such sums as may have been received for 
certificates renewed) shall immediately be forwarded. There is therefore no 
time allowed. The money must be forwarded at once, and failing to do so, the 
Lodge may be suspended. 

Pro. *jth Ann. Sess. S. L ., p. 126. 


94 


BENEFICIARY ARTICLE. 


97. 1. Lodges under the immediate jurisdiction of the Su- 
preme Lodge forward to the Supreme Recorder, by draft pay- 
able to the order of the Supreme Receiver, or otherwise, as the 
Supreme Lodge may determine. 

Sup. L. Const., Art. VIII, § 17. 

98. 2. Lodges working under a Grand Lodge not set apart as 
a separate beneficiary jurisdiction forward their amount of the 
beneficiary fund to the Grand Recorder, who forwards to the 
Supreme Recorder the total sum in a draft payable to the Su- 
preme Receiver. 

Sup. L. Const., Art. VII, §3. 

99. Note . — The precise manner in which the money is to be sent by the Sub- 
ordinate Lodge in the above case is not specified in the Supreme Lodge consti- 
tution, but as the Grand Recorder is required to forward the whole amount re- 
ceived from Subordinate Lodges in a draft payable to the order of the Supreme 
Receiver, it seems to be necessary that the money should be sent to him (the 
Grand Recorder) by the Subordinate Lodges in a draft payable to his order, or 
in such other way as will enable him to include all in the draft to be sent by him 
to the Supreme Recorder. 

100. 3. Lodges working under a Grand Lodge set apart as a 
separate beneficiary jurisdiction forward to the Grand Record- 
er, by a draft, payable to the order of the Grand Receiver, or 
in such other manner as the Grand Lodge may determine. 

101. Receipts for beneficiary funds. The beneficiary laws require that 
all beneficiary funds shall be paid to the Supreme or Grand Receiver, as the case 
may be, who shall execute a receipt therefor, which must be countersigned by 
the Supreme or Grand Recorder, as the case may be ; and in all cases receipts 
should be thus executed in order to legally discharge the Lodge from its liability. 

Pro. *]th Ann. Sess. S. L., p. 

102. When fund is to be forwarded from Subordinate 
Lodges. When notice is received of the death of a brother and 
of an assessment for beneficiary fund, the amount of said fund 
on hand in each Subordinate Lodge (the same being one dollar 
for each valid certificate, and such sums as may have been re- 
ceived for certificates renewed) shall immediately be forwarded 


BENEFICIARY ARTICLE. 


95 


to the Supreme Recorder, if the Lodge is under the immediate 
jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge, or to the Grand Recorder, 
if working under a Grand Lodge. A record of the amount so 
forwarded shall be entered upon the minutes. 

Sup. L. Const ., Art. VIII, § 8 ; Art. VI, No. 3 ; Art. VII, § 1. 

103. Note. — Amount of fund to be forwarded. The above section speci- 
fies the amount of the fund to be forwarded as “ being one dollar for each valid 
certificate, and such sums as have been received for certificates renewed. ” A 
certificate which has been held suspended is not a “valid certificate,” and the 
Lodge is therefore only required to send one dollar for each certificate not held 
suspended. All members who fail to pay their assessments on or before the 
28th day of the month forfeit their rights under their certificates, and their cer- 
tificates should be entered on the certificate register-book as suspended. On 
such certificates the Lodge is not required to forward any amount. The Lodge 
is only held accountable for carrying out the beneficiary law, and when it does 
this, it does not become liable for any sums to the beneficiary fund except such 
as it receives from the members. If a member fails to pay as required by the 
law, the brother’s certificate is held suspended, and on such certificate the Lodge 
is not liable. The beneficiary return accompanying the remittance of the fund 
shows that the brother failed to pay within the prescribed time, and his certifi- 
cate was held suspended ; and this relieves the Lodge from payment on such 
certificate — it not being then “ valid.” Any arrearages paid into the beneficiary 
fund on renewal of certificates or reinstatement of members, after the previous 
remittance, are of course to be included, in addition to one dollar for each valid 
certificate, and those two items make up the amount to be forwarded. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 273, 274. 

104. Beneficiary returns. The beneficiary return is wholly distinct from 
the monthly report. When a death notice (see Sec. 8, beneficiary article) is sent 
by the Grand Recorder to the Subordinate Lodge, it is the duty of the Financier 
to immediately make the beneficiary return. 

The blank furnished for this purpose should be carefully read, and every item 
of information called for by it should be correctly given. 

To do this the Financier must have the aid of the Recorder, who furnishes 
the names of reinstated members from his minutes. 

j 03 . The beneficiary return, when made out, is signed by the Financier, 
Master M^orkman and Recorder, who takes the same to the Receiver, the Re- 
ceiver pays the Recorder the amount called for by the return, either in a draft 
or P. O. order (according to the law of the jurisdiction). If it be paid by draft 
the draft should be made payable to the order of the Grand Receiver. 


96 


BENEFICIARY ARTICLE. 


The Recorder then sends the beneficiary return and the remittance to the 
Grand Recorder, who sends a receipt to the Recorder for the same. 

The beneficiary return should account for, and the remittance should include* 
the amount due on the assessment and the back beneficiary collected since the 
last beneficiary return was sent. 

The beneficiary return is very simple, having for its foundation only the num- 
ber of Master Workman degree members in good standing on the last beneficiary 
return, and if the information called for by the blank is carefully given, mistakes 
will be impossible. 

Some Financiers have trouble in ascertaining the amount to send as arrears on 
a reinstated member. The problem is very simple. To illustrate. — Suppose A. 
is reinstated in beneficiary return on assessment 9, and you want to know his 
arrearages — turn to your duplicate beneficiary returns, and if you find him re- 
ported suspended on assessment 5, his arrearages are 5, 6, 7 and 8, or $4.00. 
This is the amount which should be sent as arrears. If members are suspended, 
reinstated, or are not liable, do not fail to give names and dates on the back of the 
beneficiary return in the proper places. If a brother withdraws, or joins 
the Lodge by card, under head of “remarks,” his name, and the name and 
number of the Lodge he withdraws from, or joins as the case may be, should 
be given. If the amount remitted does not correspond with the amount called 
for by the beneficiary return, an explanation should be given under the head of 
“ remarks,” if there is space enough ; and if not, in a letter accompanying the 
beneficiary return. As there is one dollar to the credit of every M. W. in good 
standing in the beneficiary fund, the beneficiary return and remittance should be 
made forthwith, so as to reach the Grand Recorder’s office by the toth of the 
month. A meeting of the Lodge is not necessary to direct the remittance to be 
made, but the Financier, Recorder and Master Workman should attend to the 
matter without waiting for a meeting of the Lodge. The M. W. and Recorder 
can sign an order for the amount, which order is taken up by the Receiver, and 
by him used as a voucher in settlement with the Lodge. 

Note . — The foregoing is adopted, with slight modification, from notes of in- 
struction for Subordinate Lodge officers in Kansas, by E. M. Forde, Grand Re- 
corder. 

106. Fee accompanying beneficiary return. The fifty cents forwarded 
with each assessment comes out of the Subordinate Lodge general fund. A 
warrant should therefore be drawn for it, in accordance with General Law 29, 
which forbids the payment of any money out of the general fund except upon 
orders drawn upon the Receiver. Grand Lodges have the power to reduce or 
abolish this amount. 

Dig 1st Ed , par. 282. 


BENEFICIARY ARTICLE. 


97 


Note. — In nearly all Grand Lodge jurisdictions the above fee has been abol- 
ished. 

107. Note. — Money of Subordinate Lodge. All moneys for the Lodge 
are received by the Financier, and by him paid over to the Receiver. 

108. Failure to forward fund. When a Subordinate Lodge fails to pay 
an assessment to the Grand Recorder within the time specified, the proper 
steps for the suspension of the Lodge should at once be taken ; but until a Lodge 
is suspended the Grand Recorder should continue to notify such Lodge of deaths 
and assessments. 

Pro. 7th Ann. Sess. S. L.,p. 113. 

109. The beneficiary fund does not constitute any part of the Lodge fund, 
and it does not require any action on the part of the Lodge to authorize the 
Receiver to pay over said fund on the call of the Grand Recorder. [Assessment 
notice.] 

Pro. G. L. Ky., 1875, p. 7. 

no. If returns not made, Lodge to be suspended. If, after the second 
notice required by Sec. 8, Art. VIII, Ben. Law., returns are not made and the 
money paid within one week the Grand Recorder should mark on his books all 
the beneficiary certificates “suspended,” and at once notify the G. M. W., who 
should then make an order suspending the Lodge. 

In such a case the Grand Master Workman has no right to stay proceedings 
because the Receiver of the Lodge is a defaulter, nor for any other reason. 

» Pro. S. L., %th Ann. Sess., 1880 , p. 186. 

hi. Note. — Disposition of advance assessments. When all assessments 
which have been made on a brother’s beneficiary certificate have been paid, 
there is then one dollar on hand in the beneficiary fund of the Lodge for each 
certificate, ready for the next notice. If a brother takes a clearance card and 
joins another Lodge in the same jurisdiction, the dollar is paid over to such Lodge. 
If the certificate is annulled by the brother’s death, or his withdrawal or expul- 
sion, or by his joining a Lodge in another beneficiary jurisdiction, the assessment 
account with him is closed by forwarding the dollar to the Supreme or Grand 
Recorder upon the next call. 

1 12. Advance assessment of deceased member. Upon the death or final 
withdrawal of a brother holding a beneficiary certificate, or the annulling of a 
brother’s certificate by the Lodge, the $1.00 deposited in the beneficiary fund in 
the Lodge belongs to the general beneficiary fund, and must be forwarded to the 
Grand Recorder upon the first draft upon said fund thereafter. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 38. 

Pro. Or. and Wash., 1882./. 47- 

7 


98 


BENEFICIARY ARTICLE. 


A brother withdrawing from a Lodge in this jurisdiction and depositing his 
card in a Lodge in another jurisdiction, the dollar which is to the brother’s credit 
in the beneficiary fund shall be forwarded when the next call is made on that 
fund to the Grand Recorder. It takes the same course as on the cancellation of 
a beneficiary certificate by the death of a brother. (9 th S. A. S., Pro. G. L., p. 1.) 

Penna. Rev. Dec ., 146. 

1 13. Assessments of deceased member. A brother died on the 9th day 
of December, 1881. Two assessments were issued on the 8th, or day before he 
died. His beneficiaries were not bound to pay these assessments before becom- 
ing entitled to the beneficiary amount. 

The brother was good on the books at the time of his death. 

Death closed the account, and the Order had no claims on his beneficiaries for 
the assessments. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1882 , p. 370. 

1 14. Payment of beneficiary certificate. Upon the receipt 
of the official notice of the death of a member entitled to the 
beneficiary fund, the Supreme (or Grand) Recorder shall 
promptly adjust the loss, and in settlement thereof shall draw 
an order on the Supreme (or Grand) Receiver, payable to the 
party or parties entitled, and forward the same to the Recorder 
of the Subordinate Lodge of which the deceased was a member; 
and said Lodge shall see that the same is properly endorsed, 
and that the beneficiary certificate held by the deceased is prop- 
erly receipted, and shall take up and forward it at once to the 
Supreme (or Grand) Recorder, who shall cancel and file the 
same. 

3d clause, § 16, Art. VIII, Sup. L. Const. 

1 15. Note . — The provisions of the foregoing section apply to all death losses 
which are payable out of the beneficiary fund of the Supreme Lodge. In Grand 
Lodges set apart as separate beneficiary jurisdictions, the duties above imposed 
on the Supreme Recorder are to be performed by the Grand Recorder. 

1 16. Money to be accounted for. All moneys paid into the 
beneficiary fund of the Supreme (or Grand) Lodge by Subordi- 
nate Lodges shall be forwarded to the Supreme (or Grand) Re- 
corder by draft, payable to the Supreme Receiver, or otherwise 
as said Lodge may determine, and shall be immediately turned 


BENEFICIARY ARTICLE. 


99 


over to the Supreme (or Grand) Receiver, who shall, in all cases, 
receipt therefor through the Supreme (or Grand) Recorder, who 
shall keep an accurate account thereof. 

2d clause, Art. VIII, § 16, Sup. L. Const. 

1 17. Note. — No deduction from beneficiary amount. In a case arising 
under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, a draft was drawn 
by the Grand Recorder in favor of the widow of a deceased brother for the 
amount of $2,000, and forwarded to be delivered to her. The Lodge held a 
claim of $110 against the deceased brother for a liability incurred by him as 
surety on the bond of one of the former officers of the Lodge. This amount 
was deducted from the $2,000 and paid into the Lodge. The matter was refer- 
red to a committee in the Grand Lodge, who, after an investigation of the case, 
reported a resolution that the Subordinate Lodge be required to refund to the 
widow the amount taken out of the $2,000, the beneficiary fund being a sacred 
fund for the payment of beneficiary certificates, and for no other purpose, and 
not subject to a deduction for debts of the deceased brother. The resolution 
was adopted by the Grand Lodge, and carried into effect. 

See Pro. G. L. Pa ., 7 th Ann. Sess., pp. 8, 18. 

1 18. It is not the duty of Lodge officers to hold the check sent in payment 
of a deceased brother’s beneficiary certificate until his widow pays a bill con- 
tracted during the brother’s last illness. 

The officers should pay the money over at once. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1883 ,p. 487. 

1 19. The costs of actions affecting beneficiary rights are payable out of 
the beneficiary fund. 

Pro. G. L. Ky., 1880, p. 17. 

(Streelow vs. G. L., A. O. U. W., of Ky.) 

Pro. Sup. L., 3d Ann. Sess., 1875,//. 84, 118. 

(Hentz^x. G. L., A. O. U. W., of Ohio.) 

120. Michigan. The beneficiary fund shall be used only for the payment 
of death losses ; all the other expenses of the corporation shall be paid out of 

the general fund. 

Articles of Association G. L. of Michigan. 

1 2 1 . Beneficiary fund, increase of. Each Grand Lodge, 
set apart as a separate beneficiary jurisdiction, may enact laws 
and regulations providing for the creating and disbursing of 


100 


BENEFICIARY ARTICLE. 


an increase of the beneficiary fund ; provided, such increase 
shall form a separate and distinct fund, and shall in no manner 
affect the beneficiary fund as it now exists ; and provided fur- 
ther, that such laws and regulations shall be submitted to and 
receive the approval of the Supreme Lodge. 

Sup. L. Const., Art. VI, No. 6. 

122 . As any fund created by a Grand Lodge under the power granted in the 
above section would be “ separate and distinct” from the beneficiary fund pro- 
vided for in the general laws of the Order, the Supreme Lodge would not incur 
any liability under the certificates issued for such increase of fund. The con- 
tract would be solely between the Grand Lodge and the members under it. In 
the event of the membership under the Grand Lodge becoming reduced to less 
than 2,000, and reverting to the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge, 
the latter body would not be responsible for the payment of such certificates, as 
it is for those issued under the general laws of the Order. 

Dig. , 1st. Ed., par. 183, note. 

See Degree of Honor. 

123. The duty of seeing that the draft or warrant is properly endorsed 
and the beneficiary certificate properly receipted, is not specifically imposed upon 
any officer or officers, but upon “ the Lodge.” It is, therefore, the duty of the 
Master Workman as the head of the Lodge to bring the matter to the attention 
of the Lodge and of all officers and members to see that the law is complied with; 
that the benefit goes into the hands of the person or persons entitled to it, and 
that the Order is fully relieved from all further liability in the case. The most 
scrupulous care should be exercised in this important matter. 

Dig. , 1st Ed. 

(In Pennsylvania death losses are paid by the Grand Recorder directly to 
the person or persons named in the beneficiary certificate.) 

In Michigan death losses are paid by bank draft furnished by the Grand Re- 
ceiver, payable to the order of the beneficiary, and forwarded by the Grand 
Recorder to the Subordinate Lodge. 

124. Beneficiary Fund — Management of. 

Stip. L. Const., Art. V, No. 3. 

See title Grand Lodges vs. Separate Beneficiary Jurisdiction for additional 
regulations concerning beneficiary fund. 

See titles, Assessments. 

Beneficiary Assessments. 

Suspension. 

Reinstatement. 


BENEFICIARY ARTICLE. 


101 


125. Rights forfeited. Any member suspended or expelled 
from the Order for any cause whatever forfeits all claims to the 
beneficiary fund during said suspension or expulsion. 

Art. VIII, § 14, Sup . L. Const. 

126. Law— A policy issued to one for the benefit of him- 
self, executors, etc., becomes, upon his death, a part of his estate, 
like any other chose in action; but otherwise, when the same is 
taken for the benefit of the wife or children. 

Burton vs. Fairnholt, 86 N. Car., 260, Tiedeken’s Estate, 11 Phila., 95. 

And, in the latter case, the proceeds of the policy cannot be 
disposed of by will. 

McClure vs. Johnson, 56 Iowa, 620. 

The fund should be paid directly to the beneficiaries or to 
their guardian, and not to the administrator of the deceased. 

Catholic Benefit Assoc, vs. Priest, 46 Mich., 429. 

127. Where an association provides that on the death of a 
member a certain sum shall be paid, in the absence of directions 
by the deceased, “to the person or persons entitled thereto,” the 
money should be paid to the family of the deceased, and not to his 
administrator. 

Fenn vs. Lewis, 10 Missouri Appeals, 478. 

128. Where a policy is payable, not to the insured himself, but 
to his heirs or assigns, and is not assigned, the heirs are entitled 
to it on the death of the insured, and it does not form any part 
of his estate for the payment of his debts. 

Mullins vs. Thompson, 51 Tex., 7; distinguishing Wason vs. Colburn, 
99 Mass., 342 ; Loos vs. Ins. Co., 41 Ills., 538. 

129. A member of a mutual aid society directed that his 
wife receive the benefit conferred by the charter upon the legal 
representatives of members dying. She having died before him, 
it was ruled that his representatives should be preferred to 
hers. 

Expressman’s Aid Society vs. Lewis, 9 Missouri Appeals, 412. 


102 


BOOKS. 


130. Benefit, to whom payable. The constitution of a re- 
lief association provided that “this association shall have for 
its object the payment to the family of the deceased member of 
so many dollars as there are members of the association and 
further, that the assessment “ shall be paid to his legal repre- 
sentatives, or to such person as he may have designated or ap- 
pointed in writing ; provided, always, that when such member 
shall leave a widow or children, he shall have no power to de- 
prive her or them of the benefits specified in this article, by will 
or otherwise, but the same shall be paid to her or them abso- 
lutely.” The application of the assured was made in favor of 
a niece with whose family he was living, but at the time of his 
death he had a married daughter living apart and independent 
of him. Held that the proviso was not void for repugnance, but 
that the principal object of the provision can be accomplished 
and stand under the restriction of the proviso ; that the niece 
was within the circle of the family of the deceased member, and 
under his contract with the association, and a rational interpre- 
tation, she had a right to the fund in question. 

Folmer’s Appeal, Penn Mutual Assoc, vs. Folmer, 87 Penn., 133. 

BIENNIAL SESSIONS. 

See Election, par. 5. 

BLACK BALL. 


See Ballot. 


BLACK BOOK. 


The laws of many jurisdictions provide for the keeping of a “ Black Book ” 
by the Recorder of the Subordinate Lodge, in which shall be set down the name 
of every candidate rejected, or member suspended (except in some cases for 
non-payment of assessments) or expelled, stating whether rejected, suspended, 
or expelled, the date of such rejection, suspension or expulsion, and the name 
and number of the Lodge by which it was done. 


See Recorder, par. 11, 12, 13, and Register of Expelled Members, 
par. 1. 


BOOKS. 


Books kept by Subordinate Lodge officers, see title of various officers. 


BONDS OF OFFICERS. 


103 


1. The books of the Lodge may be taken from the Lodge-room to a place 
of safety by the officers, who are their custodians, during the time the Lodge is 
not in session. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1878, p. 21. 

2. True record should not be changed. It is irregular to expunge from 
the record an entry of suspension when brothers are reinstated. A true record 
of what transpires in the Lodge should not be changed by erasure. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1879,/. 170. 

3. Minutes. A full minute of a notice of rejection need not be spread on 
the records of a Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1879,/. 179. 

4. Books of Lodge to be returned on surrender of charter. 

See Charter, Surrender of. 

BONDS OF OFFICERS. 

1. All officers who are required to give bonds shall present 
the same duly executed, which shall be approved before being 
installed, except in the case of Supreme and Grand Lodge offi- 
cers. 

Law 30, Gen. App. 

2. The bond of officers shall hereafter contain the following 
clause, to wit : “ The beneficiary fund, which may come into 
my hands, shall be preserved by me intact, and paid over by me 
as the law of the Order directs, and in no case shall any claim 
which I may have against the Order be settled or pleaded as an 
offset against the collection from me of any of said fund by suit 
on this bond.” 

Law 31, Gen. App. 

3. The Supreme Recorder shall, when required to do so by 
the Supreme Lodge, execute a bond in such penalty as may be 
fixed by it, for the faithful discharge of the duties of his office. 

§ 3, Art. V. Sup. L. Const. 

4. The penalty of the bond of the Supreme Recorder is fixed at ten thou- 
sand dollars, and that of the Supreme Receiver at fifty thousand dollars. 

Pro. $th Ann. Sess. S. L.,p. 313. 


104 


BONDS OF OFFICERS. 


5. Note. — Approval of bonds. The Supreme Master Work- 
man, Supreme Foreman, and Supreme Overseer, accept and ap- 
prove all official bonds required of Supreme Lodge officers. 

See Sup. L. Const., Art. V, § 1. 

6. Bonds to be presented before installation. No officer of the Grand 
Lodge or any Subordinate Lodge can be legally installed until he has presented 
the proper bond, and the Lodge has accepted the same. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 39. 

7. Failure of officer to file bond. An officer of a Grand Lodge who has 
been installed before filing the required bond, and who has been given a 
specified time in which to file the same, is to be regarded as having resigned his 
office if he afterwards declines to execute and file the bond within the specified 
time. A vacancy in the office is thus created, which must be filled in the manner 
provided for in the Grand Lodge constitution. 

Pro. Sup. L., *]th Ann. Sess., p. 62. 

8. In Tennessee, should either the Grand Receiver or the Grand Recorder 
fail or refuse for twenty days after his election to execute and have approved 
the bond required by the law of that jurisdiction, the G. M. W., with the G. F. 
and G. O. , shall appoint another person to manage the affairs of the office. 

9. A Financier, whose bonds are objected to and not approved, cannot be 
installed. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1880 , p. 168. 

See Installation. 

10. Amount of bond. Both the Receiver and the Financier of Subor- 
dinate Lodges must give bonds, which should cover the largest amount of money 
liable to be in their possession at any one time. 

The bonds must be approved by the Lodge before the installation of such 
officers. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1884,/. 665. 

11. The penalty in bonds of trustees should be sufficiently large to cover 
the amount of the Receiver’s bonds, since, in case of the latter’s defalcation, it 
would be their duty to bring suit, and the money would come into their hands. 

Pro. % G. L. Iowa, 1877, p. 62. 

12. Michigan. A Lodge neglecting to demand bonds of an officer required 
to give them would be liable to have its certificate of agency annulled. 

See Pro. G. L. Mich., 1881, p. 22. 


105 


BONDS OF OFFICERS. 


13 - Amount of bond. The bonds given by Receivers of Subordinate Lodges 
should be in about double the amount of the fund which, in the judgment of the 
Lodge, will be in the hands of such officers during their term. 

Pro . G. L. Kansas , 1882, p. 10. 

They should be in such amount as to protect the local Lodge general and ben- 
eficiary fund, and without reference to the $2,000 which may be paid to the heirs 
of deceased brothers, which does not enter into Lodge receipts or disbursements. 

Pro. G. L. Kansas , 1882,7b 11. 

14. New bonds on re-election. A member of a Lodge elected to an office 
which requires him to give bonds, and at the expiration of his term he is re- 
elected, he must give new bonds. The bonds given by an officer are only good 
for the term for which they were given. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 84. 

15 - When invalidated A was elected trustee, and gave B for a surety on 
his bond. Within a year B was also elected a trustee. 

Held that the bond of A was not thereby rendered invalid, but was voidable, 
and that the Lodge might require a new bond of A. 

Pro. G. L. California , 1884,/. 58. 

16. Note. — Bonds must be approved by a vote of the Lodge, unless the 
power is given in the by-laws for their approval in some other manner. 

17. No officer of a Subordinate Lodge who is required to give bonds 
can be legally installed until after he has presented the proper bond, and the 
Lodge has accepted the same. 

18. An officer of the Lodge re-elected to an office which requires him to 
give bond must give new bonds. 

19. The Master Workman holds all bonds given by Subordinate Lodge 
officers. 

Art. X, § 1, Sub. L. Const. 

20 . Michigan. The bonds of Financier, Receiver and Trustees of Subor- 
dinate Lodge in the State of Michigan are made to the Grand Lodge, and are 
filed in the office of the Grand Recorder. They are to be approved by the Mas- 
ter Workman. 

§ 17, By-Laws G. L. Mich. 

21. Nevada — justification of sureties. The sureties on all bonds required 
to be given by the officers named in this Article [Note. The provision applies to 
both Grand Lodge and Subordinate Lodge officers] shall justify the same as is 


106 


BURIAL. 


required of sureties on official bonds of county officers under the laws of the 
State of Nevada, and no officer shall become surety on the bond of another officer. 

Art. X, § ii, Sub. L. Const . Nevada. 

Art. VI, § io, Const. G. L. Nevada. 

2 2. Law— Bonds, liability of sureties. Where a party be- 
comes surety upon the bond of a treasurer of a society for the 
faithful application of moneys in his hands, the fact that the 
officers and members knew of his previous misappropriation of 
the funds entrusted to him during the prior year, and with such 
knowledge re-elected him, and failed to communicate such fact 
to his sureties, and they doing no act to put the sureties off 
their guard or preventing them from ascertaining the facts, no 
fraud can be imputed to the society which can be set up in 
avoidance of the sureties’ liability on the bond. 

Roper vs. Sangamon Lodge, 91 III., 518. 

Where an officer is re-elected and becomes his own successor, 
and at the commencement of his second term reports a certain 
sum in his hands, and gives bonds, with sureties, to account for 
and pay over the moneys coming to his hands during the term, 
his sureties, when sued, will be responsible for the sum so re- 
ported in his hands, and will not be allowed to show that the 
defalcation, in fact, occurred during the previous term, and 
throw the liability on his sureties for that term. 

Ibid. 

BURIAL. 

1. Minnesota — Burial. Any member not suspended from the Order who- 
may die shall be buried according to the usages, and with the ceremonies of 
the Order, provided his family do not object. His family shall be entitled to- 
such funeral benefits as the Lodge shall determine in its by-laws. 

Art. XII, § 2, Const. Sub. L. Minn. 

Note . — This applies only to members in good standing. 

2 . Burial ritual. The service of the Order for the burial of the dead 
among its members is part of the ritualistic work of the Order. 


BY-LAWS. 


107 


BUSINESS COMMITTEE. 

1. Appointment Of. On the night of his installation, the 
Master Workman shall appoint three members, in good stand- 
ing in the Lodge, to serve as a business committee. 

Part of § i, Art. X, Sub. L. Const. 

2. Duty Of business committee. The business committee 
shall serve for the term of six months, and it shall be their duty to 
correspond with the different Lodges, to ascertain where mem- 
bers are out of employment, and where vacancies are to be filled ; 
to do all in their power to find employment for those who are 
without it; they shall report weekly to the Lodge all such va- 
cancies, and members of the Order who are out of employment; 
also the members for whom they have procured employment 
during the week. All members who are out of and desire em- 
ployment should notify the business committee to that effect. 

Art. X, §11, Sub. L. Const. , 

BY-LAWS. 

1. By-Laws in conformity with the constitution of Subor- 
dinate Lodges may be made, and from time to time altered or 
amended, by submitting the same to the Lodge in writing, 
signed by two members of the M. W. degree, and having them 
read at two stated meetings of the Lodge previous to being 
acted upon, when, by a two-thirds vote, they shall be adopted ; 
provided, they do not conflict with the laws or constitution of 
the Supreme Lodge, or the constitution of this Lodge, or the 
principles of the Order; and provided, also, they be submitted 
to the committee on laws and supervision of the Supreme 
Lodge, and are approved by the Supreme Lodge or the Supreme 
Master Workman. 

Art. XVIII, § i, Const. Sub. L. 

2 . Note. — The constitutional provisions in regard to adopting and amending 
by-laws for Subordinate Lodges are substantially the same in all jurisdictions. 
In some States amendments are required to be read only at one stated meeting 
previous to being acted upon, instead of at two, as above. In Pennsylvania they 


108 


BY-LAWS. 


are submitted only to the committee on laws and supervision for approval, and 
in Minnesota only to the Grand Master Workman. 

In New York and Georgia uniform codes of by-laws are provided by the Grand 
Lodge, leaving to be adopted by the Subordinate Lodge only such matters as 
name, night of meeting, dues, fines, etc. 

3. Massachusetts — By-laws to contain no repetition of laws, etc. 

The committee on laws, etc., shall examine all by-laws of Subordinate Lodges, 
and shall expunge therefrom such articles, sections or words thereof as may con- 
flict with, or repeat the constitution, general laws for the government of Subor- 
dinate Lodges, regulations or principles of the Order. 

§ 13, Art. VI, Const . G. L. Mass. 

4. Adoption of, compulsory. Each Subordinate Lodge must adopt by-laws 
for the government of the Lodge. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 356. 

5. The by-laws must prescribe the hour of meeting. 

See Art. Ill, § 1, Const. Sub. L. 

6. Lodges must have by-laws for their local government. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 126. 

7. Constitutionality. By-laws that are or may hereafter be enacted by any 
Subordinate Lodge, providing for assessments on members other than assess- 
ments for beneficiary and weekly Lodge dues, are and will hereafter be consid- 
ered unconstitutional and opposed to the best interests of the Order. 

Id., 201. 

8. Constitutionality. A by-law is constitutional which provides that the 
dues shall be paid quarterly in advance. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 157. 

9. Adoption compulsory. It is the duty of all Subordinate Lodges to 
adopt a code of by-laws containing suitable provisions covering the matters 
specified in the constitution as within the province of by-laws. 

This code, and all subsequent amendments thereof, after submission to the 
Grand Lodge committee on laws, or the Grand Master Workman, will be valid. 

Pro. G. L. IVis., 1881. 

10. Two-thirds vote required to amend. Subordinate Lodge by-laws 
may only be amended by a two-thirds vote. 

Pro G. L. Minn., 1880,/. 48. 


BY-LAWS. 


109 


11. Approval. By-laws of a Subordinate Lodge must be approved by the 
G. M. W. or G. L. before they have any legal effect. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1879,/. 180. 

12. Change of by-laws. After A received the J. W. degree, the Lodge 
adopted a by-law grading the fee for the M. W. degree according to age, as fol- 
lows : Between the age of twenty-one and forty-five, two dollars, and three 
dollars for each year over forty-five. The degree fee for A, who was over forty- 
five, was increased. 

Held by the G. L. reversing the decision of the G. M. W, , that the by-law was 
not operative as to A. 

G. L. Illinois , 1880, p. 165. 

13. Unreasonable by-laws. By-laws cannot be adopted by any Lodge 
forfeiting the application money of an applicant in case his application is re- 
jected. 

Such a provision would be unjust and contrary to the spirit, if not the letter, of 
our laws. 

Pro. G. L. Mo., 1882,/. 95. 

14. By-laws regulating assessments. A Lodge can assess its members to 
meet expenses when there is a deficiency in the treasury, only when the by-laws 
authorize it; not otherwise. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1879,/. 177. 

15. Unreasonable by-laws. A Lodge cannot legally pass a by-law prohib- 
iting the Financier from receiving assessments except at Lodge meetings. 

Pro. G. L . Kansas, 1883, p. 10. 

16. Unconstitutional by-laws. A Lodge cannot adopt a by-law allowing 
its Financier five per cent on all assessments collected by him outside the Lodge- 
room, which five per cent is added to the assessment and collected from the 
party owing it. 

Such a law is in conflict with the beneficiary article of the constitution. 

Pro. G. L. Mo., 1882, p. 96, 

17. California. A by-law prohibiting a Financier from receiving money 
from brothers except at Lodge meetings is illegal, contrary to the spirit of our 
Order and to the decision of the courts. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1882,//. 14, no. 

18. A Lodge cannot make an assessment against its members to build a 
hall for Lodge purposes, and a member who refuses to pay any such assessment 
is guilty of violating no law of the Order. 

Pro. G. L. Tex., 1882 , p. 9. 




110 


BY-LAWS. 


19. By-laws fixing place of payment of assessment. It is lawful for a 
Lodge to require by its by-laws the payment of all dues and assessments in the 
Lodge-room, and to prohibit the Financier from receiving such payments out- 
side the Lodge-room. 

Pro. G. L. Aid., N. J., and Del., 1883, p. 17. 

But the weight of authority seems to be against the last above decision. 

20. Fine of officers for non-attendance at meetings. There is no con- 
stitutional provision or general law on this subject The by-laws of Subordinate 
Lodges usually provide for imposing a fine upon officers for failure to attend a 
stated meeting of the Lodge — and their right to adopt such by-laws seems to be 
generally admitted. 

21. Fine for non-attendance at meetings. A by-law to compel the attend- 
ance of all the members of a Subordinate Lodge, under a pecuniary penalty, 
would be inconsistent with the principles of the Order. 

Dig. 1st Ed., par. 562. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1882 ,p. 370. 

22. Fine of officer for non-attendance. The by-law of a Lodge provided 
for the following fine : 

“ Upon an elective officer for failure to attend, the sum of twenty-five cents.” 
■“ Sickness or absence shall be a good excuse.” 

The Financier was absent April 3d, on April 10th the by-law was repealed. 
At the same meeting, the Financier being present, was called on for an excuse 
for his absence from the previous meeting, but refused to present any on the 
ground that the by-law had just been repealed. 

The M. W. decided him liable to the fine. On appeal to the Subordinate 
Lodge the decision of the M. W. was affirmed sustained, and on appeal to the 
G. M. W. the decision was still sustained and approved by the Grand Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1880, pp. 171, 213. 

23. A by-law to compel the attendance of all the members of a Subor- 
dinate Lodge under a pecuniary penalty could not be approved, because it would 
be inconsistent with the principles of the Order. 

Pro. G. L.Ky., 1875 , p. 7. 

24. A by-law that inflicts a fine for the non-attendance of a brother is 
illegal. 


Pro. G. L. III., 1883, p. 488. 


BY-LAWS. 


Ill 


25. Fining members for non-attendance. A Lodge law fining members 
for non-attendance is so far restrictive of the rights and privileges of a member 
as to be in conflict with the spirit of the constitution — 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1879. 

and this, although no adequate excuse be offered by the delinquent. 

Pro. G. L. Wis., 1883,/. 59. 

In Tennessee it has been held that a penalty of $1.00 imposed by Lodge by- 
laws for failure to attend at least one Lodge-meeting in each quarter was incon- 
sistent with the principles of the Order. 

Pro. Tenn . G. L., 1883. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1 88 1, p. 22. 

26. A Lodge cannot amend its by-laws so as to require the attendance of 
all the members under a pecuniary penalty. 

Pro. G L. Tex., 1882, p. 9. 

27. Rebate of dues. A by-law fixing monthly or quarterly dues at a speci- 
fied amount, but granting a rebate for regular attendance on the Lodge meetings 
is constitutional. 

Pro. G. L. Mo., 1882, p. 96. 

28. By-laws levying a fine of one dollar for failure to attend at least one 
Lodge meeting in each quarter is inconsistent with the principles of the Order. 

Dec. Pro. G. L. Tenn., 1883, p. 9. 

29. Attendance at funeral. A by-law of a Subordinate Lodge is consti- 
tutional which requires every member of such Lodge to attend the funeral of a 
deceased brother or brother’s wife, the Grand Lodge, under which such Subor- 
dinate Lodge is organized, having no other organic law than that made by the 
Supreme Lodge and applicable to such Grand Lodge. 

Pro. ~jth Ann. Sess. S. L., 1879, p. 113* 

30. Unreasonable by-law. The by-laws of a Lodge requiring members to 
be present at the funeral of a brother or brother s wife was disapproved so far 
as it referred to a member’s wife. 

It is not competent for a Lodge to compel its members to attend the funeral 
of any person not a member of the Order. 

Pro. G. L. Iowa, 1879, p. 109. 

31. It is not competent for a Lodge to compel the attendance of members, 
nor fine them for non-attendance, at the usual and regular meetings of the 

Lodge. 


Pro. G. L. Iowa, 1879, p. H 5 - 


112 


BY-LAWS. 


32. A committee of the Grand Lodge decided that “ a by-law providing 
for fines against members for non-attendance at a funeral or any other meeting 
of the Lodge would be illegal, and any fine imposed under such law would be 
void and could not be enforced,” but the decision was not concurred in by the 
Grand Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1882, p. 128. 

33. Attendance at funeral. Ques. — A brother of the Order from another 
jurisdiction died in the vicinity of a Lodge in Illinois. His Lodge requested the 
Lodge in Illinois to take charge of the funeral services, which they did. One 
brother did not attend the funeral. Can he be fined ? 

Ans. The spirit, if not the letter, of the obligation taken by members of 
the Order requires members of that Lodge to attend at the funeral when duly 
notified so to do, unless prevented by sickness or some other unavoidable cir- 
cumstance; and if the by-law of the Lodge provide for a fine for non attendance 
at a funeral, then the brother who neglected to attend at the funeral should have 
been fined. 

Pro. G. L. Illinois , 1883,/. 628. 

34. Dues in advance. A by-law requiring dues to be paid quarterly in ad - 
vance is constitutional. ( See Dues.) 

Pro. G. L . Hans ., 2 d Sess., 1880 , p. 10. 

35. A by-law providing for the suspension of a brother who shall be 
twenty days in arrears for dues is in conflict with the constitution. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1880 , p. 168. 

§ 2, Art. XI, Const. Sub. L. III., and § 2, Art. XI, Sub. L. in Sup. ju- 
risdiction. 

36. Dues in advance. By-laws of a Subordinate Lodge requiring three 
months’ dues to be paid in advance were not approved. 

Pro. G. L. Ky., 1879 , p. 57. 

37. To prohibit entrance into Lodge. A Lodge has the power to make 
by-laws prohibiting a member from coming into his own Lodge when six months 
in arrears for dues. 

Pro. N. Y. G. L., 1883. 

38. Unreasonable provision of by-law. A medical examiner cannot ex- 
amine himself, although such examination is required by the letter of the by- 
laws. The by-laws must give way to the rule. 


See Medical Examiners. 


BY-LAWS. 


113 


A Lodge cannot require a brother applying for membership in it by card 
from the same jurisdiction to present a physician’s certificate. 

Pro. G. L. Iowa , 1879,/. 115. 

39. Fining members for suspension illegal. A resolution passed by a 
Subordinate Lodge, imposing a fine of fifty cents upon its members allowing 
themselves to be suspended, in addition to all other arrearages. 

Held illegal, as in contravention of the beneficiary article, which permits rein- 
statement without such fine. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1880. 

Pro. G. L. Wis ., 1881, p. 18. 

Pro. G. L. Wis., 1883, p. 59. 

40. Assessment on death of a brother’s wife. There is no warrant of 
authority for by-laws providing for the payment of a sum on the death of a 
brother’s wife. 

Pro. G. L . Iowa , 1878,/. 57 ; 1877,^. 61. 

41. By-law directing donation. A by-law which provides that a certain 
amount shall be given to a brother upon the death of his wife is illegal. 

A lodge can, by resolution, donate such amount as it sees proper to the relief 
of the brother in such cases. 

Pro. G. L. Pa., 1883 ,p. 23. 

42. Payment of assessment from general fund. An amendment to the 
by-laws of a Lodge which provides that the assessment upon all the members of 
the Lodge can be paid out of the general fund of the Lodge is illegal and uncon- 
stitutional. 

G. L. Pa., 1883 ,pp. 30, no. 

See General Fund. 

43. A by-law which provides that the funds of a Lodge may be placed be- 
yond the control of the Lodge, either by placing them in the hands of a corpora- 
tion or otherwise, so that they cannot be used for the necessary expenses of the 
Lodge or other purpose, for a number of years, is illegal and unconstitutional. 

G. L. Pa., 1883, pp. 30, no. 

44. Change of by-laws. A member was called on to attend a sick brother 
as watcher, his name being selected in its alphabetical order, and the service was 
performed. During the same term, and before the roll of membership was gone 
through for watchers, the by-laws changed the method of selection; and under 
the method last adopted the brother was again drawn for that service. To this 
he objected, on the ground that the roll of members should be gone through with, 
and a fine being imposed for his refusal to again serve, from which he appealed. 

8 


114 


BY-LAWS. 


It was held that the brother was liable to the duty imposed by the amended by- 
laws, they having been changed legally. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1879, p. 170. 

45. Enforcing; attendance on the sick. A by-law providing for a fine of 
one dollar upon any member failing, in person or by substitute, to attend upon 
a sick or disabled brother, or stranger brother, is in conformity to the constitu- 
tion, and proper. 

Pro. G. L. Minn., 1878, p. 47. 

46. By-laws graduating the initiation fee according to age are unwise 
and unjust. The fee is no part of the beneficiary system, but is used as a gen- 
eral fund, under the control of the Lodge, and the plan tends to destroy that 
equality, which is a leading idea of the Order, and should not be engrafted in our 
laws. 

Pro. G. L. Iowa , 1878, p. 5S. 

47. Moral qualifications of members. A Lodge may provide by its by- 
laws as to the moral qualifications of its members. 

Pro. G. L . Ky ., 1882, p. 10. 

48. It is not admissible to reiterate portions of the constitution in by-laws. 
Such reiteration tends to confuse the law and thereby trammel the workings of 
the constitution, and is therefore in conflict with it in the sense intended in Art. 
XIX, Const. Sub. L. Cal. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1878,//. 19, 20. 

(Art. XVIII, Const. Sub. L. under S. L. Juris.) 

49. By-laws of Subordinate Lodges containing repetitions of other laws 
as parts of the constitution should have such superfluous portions removed. 

See Pro. G. L. Ca/.,i88o, p. 87. 

This has been incorporated into the law of Massachusetts. 

50. Massachusetts. “ The committee on laws and appeals shall examine 
all by-laws of Subordinate Lodges, and shall expunge therefrom such articles, 
sections or words thereof as may conflict with or repeat the constitution, gen- 
eral laws for the government of Subordinate Lodges, regulations, or principles of 
the Order.” 

Art. VI, § 13, Const. G. L. Mass. 

51. Repetition in by-laws of general laws. By-laws should contain 
nothing covered by the general law. 

Pro. G. L. Mich., 1882 , p. 113. 

52. A Lodge may make by-laws without providing for sick benefits. 

Pro. G. L. Ky., 1879,/. 58. 


BY-LAWS. 


115 


53. A by-law is not authorized which is made to create a fund for procur- 
ing watchers or a nurse, and paying for said nurse or watchers out of said fund. 

Pro. G. L . Minn., 1881,/. 21. 

See Watchers. 

54. By-laws changed by mistake. Where, in printing the by-laws of a 
Lodge, the reading of a section was changed, the by-laws as adopted by the 
Lodge and approved by the Grand Lodge are still in force. 

Pro. G. L . III., 1884,/. 663. 

55. By-law, construction of. Where a by-law provided 
that the annual meeting for the election of officers shall 
be held on the first Sunday in July in each year, and the monthly 
meeting shall be held on the first Tuesday of each month at 
half-past 7 o’clock p. m., it was ruled that, although the ordinary 
construction, on the first view, would probably be that the 
words “ at half-past seven o’clock ” define the hour of the an- 
nual meeting, as well as that of the monthly meeting, yet they 
are not inconsistent with an intention on the part of those who 
used them to define only the hour of the monthly meeting; and 
in a case of ambiguity in a by-law, the court will not give a pos- 
itive construction thereto opposed to any consistent practical 
construction which it may have received from the members of 
the society, the same not being unreasonable, nor contrary to 
any rule of law. In such case, parol evidence is admissible to 
show that the hour named had been disregarded by the parties 
in each preceding year, and that the meetings had been held at 
another and different time, and such fact would constitute the 
highest possible evidence of the original understanding of the 
parties intended to be expressed by the by-law. 

State ex rel. Atty. Gen’l vs. Concklin, 34 Wis., 21. 

56. By-laws. It is a governing rule with regard to corpora- 
tions that their by-laws must be reasonable, and all which are 
vexatious, unequal, oppressive or manifestly detrimental to the 
interests of the corporation are void. 

Angell & Ames on Corp., 347. 


116 


BY-LAWS. 


Where the by-laws of a mutual benevolent society provided 
for payment of $5 per week by the society to each member 
during his sickness or disability, but further provided that there 
should be a forfeiture of such benefits for a period of three 
months from and after the liquidation of any arrears of dues 
by a member, the latter by-law was adjudged unreasonable. 
The plaintiff, a member of the society, having paid up his ar- 
rears of dues in April, became sick in May following, and it was 
therefore held that he was entitled to recover $5 per week during 
the period of his sickness. 

Cartan vs. Father Mathew United Benevolent Society, 3 Daly , 20. 

See Sick Benefits ; also Dues. 


c 


CANDIDATES. 

See Election, par. 8, 9, 10, 12, 16, etc. 

CANDIDATE FOR MEMBERSHIP. 

See Application, Members, Etc. 

CARD. 

1. The difference between a clearance card and a final or withdrawal 
card needs to be clearly observed. The former is granted when a member, for 
any reason, wishes to withdraw from a Lodge, but desires to retain his member- 
ship in the Order. The latter is given to a member who wishes to separate 
himself entirely from the Order. A clearance card is a certificate that the person 
to whom it is issued is a member of the Order in good standing at the time of 
its issue. A final card is a certificate that the holder of it has ceased to be a 
member of the Order, having voluntarily withdrawn from it. 

Recorders should note the difference between withdrawal from the 
Order and a withdrawal for the purpose of joining another Lodge. In the first 
case, the member takes a final card and ceases to be a member as soon as he 
gets the card. In the latter case, he gets a clearance card, and is still a member 
of the Lodge granting the card until he deposits the card with another Lodge. 
In the first case, he is reported to the Grand Recorder on first monthly report 
after getting his card. In the latter case, he is not reported until after the card 
has been deposited with another Lodge. 

Kansas Notes of Instruction , No. 36. 

2. The effect of a final card is to sever one’s connection with the Order. 
The effect of a clearance card is to sever connection with the Lodge granting it, 
but the member remaining a member of the Order, under the control of the 
Lodge granting the card. 

Pro. G. L. Minn., 1880,/. 165. 

3. The Grand Lodge seal is not necessary to the validity of a clearance 
card from a Subordinate Lodge, but such seal is necessary to a Grand Lodge 
clearance card. 

Pro. G. L. Kans., 1881,^. 89. 

Note. — The above refers to clearance cards issued by the Grand Recorder 
to member of a defunct Lodge. 


118 


CARD. 


4- Cards issued to members of defunct Lodges. A mem- 
ber of a defunct Lodge who was in good standing at the time 
of its dissolution may be admitted into another Lodge after 
having applied to and received from the Supreme Master Work- 
man or Grand Master Workman, as the case may be, a card 
signed by said Supreme Master Workman or Grand Master 
Workman, and attested by the Supreme Recorder or Grand 
Recorder, with the seal attached, and countersigned by the 
member. 

The application for such card must be made within twenty 
days of the date of the dissolution of the Lodge, and must be 
accompanied with the fee of two dollars, the card to hold good 
for six months. The member holding the card must notify the 
Supreme Recorder or Grand Recorder, as the case may be, of 
his address, and must forward his assessments for the bene- 
ficiary fund whenever notified, as required by the beneficiary 
laws of the Order. He must, before the expiration of six 
months, deposit said card with some Subordinate Lodge, and 
in event of his failure to do so, then his beneficiary certifi- 
cate shall be annulled by the Supreme Recorder or Grand Re- 
corder, provided that if any brother having attempted to com- 
ply with the provisions of this section and been rejected by a 
Subordinate Lodge, he may retain his membership in the Order 
by continuing to pay his assessments to the Supreme Recorder 
or Grand Recorder, and paying further to said Supreme Re- 
corder or Grand Recorder the sum of not less than five dollars 
annual dues. 

Part of Z. 36 of Gen. App. as amended, 1884. 

5. Clearance card issued to member of defunct Lodge. The Supreme 
Lodge at its 12th annual session, 1884, adopted a form of Supreme Lodge or Grand 
Lodge clearance card to be issued to the members of defunct Lodges under the 
law relating to delinquent and defunct Lodges, under the provisions of law 36, 
as before given. 

See title Delinquent and Defunct Lodges. 

See also Appendix, Form No. 6. 


CARD. 


119 


This, which may be called a Grand Lodge card, is entirely distinct from the 
clearance card granted by a Subordinate Lodge to a member, which latter falls 
under the following provisions. 

6. Clearance cards. Any member in good standing, wish- 
ing to withdraw from a Lodge, shall apply personally or other- 
wise in open Lodge for a clearance card, when, on payment of 
all fines and dues charged against him on the Financier’s books, 
a vote shall be taken, and if a majority of the votes be in favor, 
the card shall be granted. 

L 15 of Gen. App. 

7. Members of a Lodge about to disband cannot vote each other clear- 
ance cards and then proceed to disband the Lodge, for the reason that such cards 
expire with the Lodge. The proper course to pursue is to procure Grand Lodge 
cards. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1882. 

8 . Liability pending deposit of card. During February, and up to 
March 9th, a brother was a member of F. Lodge, but on the 22dday of February 
he took a clearance card from that Lodge, which, on the aforesaid 9th day of 
March, was deposited by him in D Lodge. He did not pay to D Lodge an ad- 
vance beneficiary assessment of $1.00, for this amount was supposed to be to 
the credit of the brother in E Lodge, and a demand was made upon said Lodge 
by D Lodge for that sum. D Lodge was instituted February 2d of the same 
year. 

When the demand was made by D Lodge on E Lodge for the advance bene- 
ficiary assessment, the latter Lodge refused to comply with the demand, and 
claimed that upon the death of a certain brother, which occurred Feb. 5th, there 
was an assessment due, to pay which the $1.00 had been used, which otherwise 
would have belonged to D Lodge. 

April 5th, the brother received notice of assessment from both Lodges to pay 
as upon the death above mentioned. He paid to D Lodge, and did not pay to 
E Lodge. 

Held that the brother left one dollar in E Lodge to pay the assessment next 
due, and that it was used for that purpose; that while the ordinary way would 
have been for the brother to have paid E Lodge the assessment demanded by 
both Lodges, which would then have been subject to the demand of D Lodge, 
yet the money of the brother is where it belongs, and it is deemed proper, and 
so ordered, that E Lodge make a record on its assessment book, showing the 
demand of D Lodge for the beneficiary fee, and its refusal, with the reason 
therefor, and notify' E Lodge thereof ; that E Lodge cancel assessment against 
the brother, because it is already paid to D Lodge. 


120 


CARD. 


As a deduction from the laws and usages of the Order, held that a brother 
withdrawing from one Lodge and joining another is liable to the Lodge from 
which he withdraws upon all assessments made upon deaths occurring prior to 
the deposit of his card received from the original Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Iowa , 1879, A 2 &- 

9. Delivery of card to applicant. A clearance card was voted to a 
brother, who requested the Financier to bring the card to him at his place of 
business next day, when he would pay all charges, etc. This was done, but the 
member refused to pay anything, claiming the card was already granted. 

The Financier refused to surrender the card. 

Held the brother had no card, and was not entitled to one until he had paid 
all dues, etc. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1883,/. 495. 

10. When card not issued. A member who has had a complaint made 
against him, and the matter referred to a committee, cannot have a clearance or 
final card granted him before the committee reports. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1881, p. 264. 

11. Practice relating to clearance card. A brother applying for and re- 
ceiving a clearance card (not a final withdrawal card) must pay the dues as pre- 
scribed by the by-laws of the Lodge up to the time the card expires, and the 
brother holding such card shall remain under the control of the Lodge granting 
the card until the deposit thereof; he must pay beneficiary assessments to said 
Lodge, and attend to all the duties, and possess equal rights and benefits the 
same as any other member of the Lodge. The granting of a clearance card is 
not a withdrawal from the Lodge until said card has been received into another 
Lodge, and official notice given to the Lodge granting the card of the deposit 
thereof. After receiving such official notice, it is the duty of the Recorder of 
the Lodge granting the card to notify the Grand Recorder of such withdrawal, 
and the deposit of said card, and to place the same on the records of the Lodge, 
and make the proper entry on the beneficiary register-book. Upon receipt of 
notice of deposit of a card, the one dollar on deposit in the beneficiary fund 
should be immediately forwarded to the Lodge in which the card is deposited, 
and their receipt for the same placed in the hands of the Receiver is sufficient 
voucher for the money so forwarded. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 40. 

12. Liability of member. R. P., of Lodge, Nevada, was admitted 

to Lodge, California, August 25th. Assessments 14 and 15 were levied on 

deaths occurring prior to August 25th. The Grand Recorder claimed $2.00 from 

Lodge of California for said R. P., which sum was refused on the ground 

that said R. P. was not a member in California at the date of the deaths. 


CARD. 


121 


The G. M. W. being appealed to, gave a decision as follows : 

R. P. must be liable somewhere, and, as when Nevada levied its assessment 
in September he was not a member of the Order there and could not be assessed, 
and as he was a Master Workman in good standing at the date of the deaths for 
which the assessments were levied, he must pay the same in the jurisdiction to 
which he belongs when the assessment is published, otherwise he would pay no 
assessment anywhere.” 

By moving from one jurisdiction to another he forfeits the dollar which was to 
his credit in his Subordinate Lodge, and said dollar goes to the Grand Lodge of 
Nevada. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1883, p. 14. 

This opinion was adopted by the G. L. of Cal. {Pro. 1883, p. 124), which re- 
jected a contrary opinion of the committee on appeals and grievances of that 
body, which was as follows : 

“ The law regarding clearance cards explicitly states that a member holding 
one remains under the jurisdiction of the Lodge granting it until it has been 
deposited with another Lodge; consequently, until August 25th, brother R. P. 

was a member of Lodge, Nevada, and could not have been subject at the 

same time to the jurisdiction of California. 

“ No member is subject to assessment on deaths occurring previous to the date 
of his becoming a member, and this grand jurisdiction has no more right to 
assess a member of another grand jurisdiction than to assess a person who is 
not a member of the Order at all. 

“We are therefore of the opinion that the decision of the Grand Master Work- 
man is erroneous, and should be reversed.” This latter opinion not having been 
concurred in, and the opinion of the Grand Master Workman having been sus- 
tained by the G. L., an appeal was taken to the Supreme Lodge in session 
{1883). A committee of the latter body decided, and so reported, that the appeal 
should be sustained, and the action of the Grand Lodge of California re- 
versed. It said : 

“ Having accepted the clearance card of the brother, the Grand Lodge of Cal- 
ifornia cannot suspend the brother for the non-payment of antecedent assess- 
ments maturing within the jurisdiction of California while this member was a 
subject of the jurisdiction of Nevada.” 

Pro. S. L., 1883. 

This report was adopted by the Supreme Lodge. Seep. 125, Session 1883. 

13. Dues. A member taking a clearance card must pay dues up to the ex- 
piration of the card, and if he joins another Lodge before the card expires, the 
Lodge issuing the same is not compelled to refund the dues for the unexpired 
time. 


Pro. G. L. 111 ., 1883 , p. 489. 


122 


CARD. 


14. No vote can be taken by a Lodge on the application for the deposit of a 
card without having first received official notice from the Lodge granting said 
card that all beneficiary assessments due thereon have been fully paid, and that 
no charges are pending against the brother holding said card; and no action can 
be taken on a card after the expiration of the time for which such card was 
granted. 

Indiana approved decisions, title assessments , etc ., No. 4. 

15. Prepayment of dues. Where the by-laws of a Lodge were as follows: 

“ Every member of the Lodge shall pay into the funds thereof the sum of 

fifty cents per month, payable quarterly in advance.” A member on the 23d day 
of July made application for a clearance card to extend to August 31st, to which 
latter date he paid his dues. 

A motion to grant the member a clearance card thereupon was ruled out of 
order on the ground that the required quarterly dues had not been paid, and 
from this an appeal was taken, and the ruling was reversed, it being held that in 
case a clearance card is granted, dues are required to be paid only to the time 
when the card expires. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1881,//. 22, 92. 

16. Card of suspended Grand Lodge. The Grand Lodge of the State of 
Iowa having been suspended, a Master Workman of a Lodge under the sus- 
pended Grand Lodge cannot connect himself with a Subordinate Lodge of 
Texas by card. 

Pro. G. L. Tex., 1883,/. 36. 

17. Card of suspended Grand Lodge. A clearance card of a Subor- 
dinate Lodge in Iowa issued before the suspension of the Grand Lodge of that 
State (1882) may be deposited in a Subordinate Lodge of Nevada within the 
time for which the card was issued, notwithstanding before its deposit such sus- 
pension of the G. L. of Iowa has occurred. 

Pro. G. L. Nev., 18S2 ,p. 11. 

18. No Card shall be granted for a longer period than six 
months; and, on the majority voting in favor of the card being 
granted, the applicant shall pay to the Financier his dues up to 
the time of the expiration of the card, together with the price 
of the card. The price for clearance cards to be fixed by the 
Lodge. 

L. 16 of Gen. App. 

1 

19. Note . — A clearance card may be granted for a shorter period than six 
months. When a brother joins a Lodge by deposit of card, he is required to 


CARD. 


123 


pay dues in such Lodge from the date of deposit, and having already paid dues 
to the Lodge granting the card, up to the time of its expiration, will thus be 
paying double dues for any unexpired term of the card. This can only be 
avoided under the law by limiting the time of the card to such period as may be 
advisable in each case. 

20. Any member holding* his card without depositing it in 
another Lodge shall be under the control of the Lodge grant- 
ing the card, and shall notify the Recorder of his address at 
least once each month, and, upon notice from the Financier 
of the death of a brother, shall forward his beneficiary fee to 
the Lodge, as required in the laws for the government of the 
beneficiary fund. 

L. 17 of Gen. App. 

Status of member holding clearance card. A brother applying for and 
receiving a clearance card must pay the dues as prescribed by the by-laws of 
the Lodge up to the time the card expires, and the brother holding such card 
shall remain under the control of the Lodge granting the card, until the deposit 
thereof ; he must pay beneficiary assessments to said Lodge, and attend to all 
the duties, and possess equal rights and benefits, the same as any other member 
of the Lodge. The granting of a clearance card is not a withdrawal from the 
Lodge until said card has been received into another Lodge, and official notice 
given to the Lodge granting the card of the deposit thereof. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 626. 

21. It is the duty of a member holding a clearance card to keep the 
Recorder of his Lodge notified of his whereabouts, in order that notices of as- 
sessments may be sent to him. 

If the member fails to do this, it is at his peril. 

Pro. G. L. Kansas, 1881,/. 89. 

22. A brother holding a clearance card is a member of the Lodge 
granting it, and is entitled to all the rights and privileges of any other member 
until he deposits it in some other Lodge. 

When the card expires and it has not been deposited, no action of the Lodge 
is required in regard to the holder. He stands the same as though the card had 
not been issued. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1883, p. 13. 

23. A brother holding a clearance card, not having deposited it in another 
Lodge, may hold office and vote in the Lodge granting the card. 

P 7 'o. G. L. III., 1883, p. 486. 


124 


CLEARANCE CARD. 


24. A brother holding a clearance card may redeposit it in the Lodge 
granting it without any formal application, reference, ballot, etc., as required 
for members from another Lodge. 

The brother is under the control of the Lodge granting the card until he affili- 
ates with another Lodge in good and regular standing, and upon surrender of 
the card to his own Lodge he becomes an active member. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1881, p. 263. 

CLEARANCE CARD. 

See Assessment, liability of members to. 

25. Clearance card. When a brother takes a clearance card and does not 
deposit it before it expires, he still remains a member of the Lodge granting it. 

No formal deposit in the Lodge granting it is necessary. His connection with 
the Lodge is not severed until the card is deposited and he is elected and declared 
a member of another Lodge. 

During the time the card is out and undeposited, the brother is liable to 
charges and trial in the Lodge granting it. 

Pro. G. L. of Petitia., 1883,/. 23. 

26. Standing not affected until deposit of card. Taking a clearance 
card does not affect the member’s standing in his own Lodge. If not deposited 
in a sister Lodge before its expiration, it simply becomes null and void. 

Pro. G. L. N. K, 1879. 

27. At the expiration of the time for which the card was granted, if the 
member desires to remain in the Lodge, the Lodge is compelled to receive him. 

He has been a member during all the time, and would be until he deposited 
his card in some other Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Wis., 1882, p. 25. 

28. Should a majority of those voting refuse to grant the 
card, the objections shall be stated in writing, and the applicant 
shall be entitled to a trial in the same manner and form as upon 
other charges. 

L. 18 of Gen. App. 

29. Note . — Any member in good standing is fairly entitled to receive a clear- 
ance card upon making application for it, and complying with the specified con- 
ditions. The vote required to be taken on granting the card is for the purpose 
of bringing the matter to the attention of the Lodge, so that if any members 
have valid objections to the granting of the card, they may have an opportunity 


CLEARANCE CARD. 


125 


to state them, and thus prevent the granting of a card to an unworthy brother, 
who should be tried and punished by his own Lodge, and not recommended to 
another. Should no charges be made or sustained against a brother, it is the 
duty of the Lodge to grant the card. 

Dig., 1 st Ed., par. 621. 

30. Refusal of card. If a brother desires a clearance card to remain a 
member of the Order or to deposit in another Lodge, a refusal of the Lodge to 
grant the card would be an evidence that there was some reason why the card 
should not be granted. 

The brother could then demand a trial, and thereby ascertain the reason of 
their refusal. If no good reason exists he is fairly entitled to his card. 

Pro. G. L. Ill, 1881, p. 268. 

31. When a Lodge is aware of facts showing it would be manifestly un- 
just to a family to grant a clearance card to a member, and thus permit him to 
leave the jurisdiction, his family, and his obligations, and deprive said family, 
who have been paying his assessments, of their rights and interests in his bene- 
ficiary certificate, the Lodge has a right to refuse a clearance card. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1883, p. 12. 

32. Should a card be granted, the Lodge may, for proper 
cause, recall or annul the same. 

L. 19 of Gen. App. 

33. A brother Of the Order wishing to become a member 
of a Lodge of the same beneficial jurisdiction shall make appli- 
cation in writing, and present his clearance card from the Lodge 
of which he was last a member. If the Lodge is satisfied of 
the correctness of the card, the application shall be referred to 
a committee of three members, whose duty it shall be to inquire 
of the Lodge granting the card if all assessments for the 
beneficiary fund have been paid by the brother holding the card, 
and report at the next stated meeting of the Lodge as to the 
character and fitness of the applicant for membership. If the 
report be favorable, the applicant shall be balloted for ; and if 
only two black balls appear against him, he shall be declared 
elected to membership ; if more than two black balls appear 
against him, he shall be declared rejected. When admitted to- 


126 


CLEARANCE CARD. 


membership, the brother shall pay a fee of not less than one 
dollar. 

L. 20 of Gen. App. 

34. Note. — The duty of ascertaining if all assessments have been paid on a 
card is placed by the above law on the investigating committee, but it may be 
performed by them through the Recorder. This would seem to be the better 
plan, as all communications should bear the seal of the Lodge, of which the 
Recorder is the custodian. No vote can be taken b) r a Lodge on the application 
for the deposit of a card without first having received official notice from the 
Lodge granting said card that all beneficiary assessments due thereon have been 
fully paid, and that no charges are pending against the brother holding said card, 
and no action can be taken on a card after the expiration of the time for which 
it was granted. 

Digest , 1st Ed., par. 628. 

35. A brother depositing his clearance card in another Lodge without 
notice to the Lodge granting such card, and he is suspended for non-payment 
of beneficiary assessments by the Lodge granting the card, cannot be made in 
good standing by paying his back assessments to the Grand Lodge, through the 
Lodge in which he deposited the card, and in the event of death his family could 
not get the money. (See minutes sixth annual session G. L. Penna.) 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 61. 

36. Illinois. The member shall present his clearance card, “ together with 
the certificate of a physician as to his bodily health.” 

L. 20 Gen. Application, as contained in constitution etc., Illinois, 1883. 

Illinois. By-laws held legal which contained the following : 

“ Members of the Order who have held their cards for a period exceeding 
twenty days from date shall be required to be examined, and the certificate sub- 
mitted to the investigating committee with clearance card.” 

Pro. G. L. III., 1881,/. 265. 

See Sick Benefits. 

37. A brother who deposits an expired clearance card from another juris- 
diction, and unites with a Lodge, gains nothing. The proceedings are wholly 
void. 

Pro. G. L. Kansas, 1881 , p. 91. 

38. No vote can be taken by a Lodge on application for the deposit of a 
card without first having received official notice from the Lodge granting said 
card that all beneficiary assessments due thereon have been fully paid, and that 


CLEARANCE CARD. 


127 


no charges are pending against the brother holding said card, and no action can 
be taken on the card after the expiration of the time for which it was granted. 

Penna. Rev. Dec. (42), p. 7, 

39. The Recorder of the Lodge in which .the brother de- 
posits his card shall immediately notify the Recorder of the 
Lodge from which the card was granted of such deposit, which 
Lodge shall immediately forward the beneficiary fee of the 
brother to the Lodge in which he deposited his card, and a 
record shall be made of his beneficiary certificate, and the Su- 
preme Recorder or Grand Recorder, as the case may be, imme- 
diately notified of the same, giving the name and number of the 
Lodge granting the card, and the number of the beneficiary 
certificate held by the brother. 

L. 21 of Gen. App. 

Notice of deposit of card — Duties of Recorder, etc. When a Lodge which 
has granted a clearance card receives official notice that it has been deposited in 
another Lodge, it is the duty of the Recorder to notify the Grand Recorder of 
the fact; also to enter the same on the records of the Lodge and make the proper 
entry on the beneficiary certificate register-book. The one dollar on deposit in 
the beneficiary fund should also be immediately forwarded to the Lodge in 
which the card is deposited ; and their receipt for the same, placed in the hands 
of the Receiver, is a sufficient voucher for the money so forwarded. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 620. 

40. A brother holding a clearance card has no remedy if rejected by an- 
other Lodge. He retains his membership in the Lodge granting the card. 

Pro. G. L. California, 1884,/. 56. 

41. A member of a Lodge in the Supreme Jurisdiction, applying for mem- 
bership in a Grand Lodge within the Supreme Lodge beneficiary jurisdiction 
must surrender the beneficiary certificate of the Supreme Jurisdiction and re- 
ceive one from the Grand Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Tex., 1882 , p. 8. 

42. At the expiration Of the time for which a card was 
granted, the brother not having deposited it with another Lodge, 
he shall be considered under the jurisdiction of the Lodge from 
which he obtained the card, and the same may be deposited 


128 


CLEARANCE CARD. 


with that Lodge if he be in good standing, unless further time 
is granted. 

L. 22 of Gen. App. 

43. Any member Of the Order holding a clearance card, 
wishing to become a member of a Lodge in a different benefi- 
ciary jurisdiction from that of the Lodge issuing the card, shall 
make application in the same manner, and be subject to the 
same requirements as an applicant for initiation, except the lim- 
itation as to age; and provided also, that he shall not be re- 
quired to pay any fees except those specified in Section 3 of the 
beneficiary article governing Subordinate Lodges, together with 
the Medical Examiner’s fee, and the fee for membership required 
by the by-laws of the Lodge to which he makes application. If 
his application be approved, and he be elected to membership, 
he shall immediately cancel and deposit with the Lodge his 
beneficiary certificate issued by the jurisdiction from which he 
has withdrawn, from which time he shall be entitled to all the 
benefits of the beneficiary fund of the jurisdiction governing 
the Lodge to which he has been admitted. The Recorder of 
the Lodge shall immediately forward to the Grand or Supreme 
Recorder, as the case may be } the application for beneficiary 
certificate, which shall be issued in the same manner that other 
beneficiary certificates are issued in such jurisdiction. The Re- 
corder of the Lodge shall also forward the cancelled certificate 
to the Subordinate Lodge granting the clearance card, which 
Lodge shall mark said certificate annulled on the books of the 
Lodge, and forward said certificate to the Supreme Recorder or 
Grand Recorder, as the case may be, of that jurisdiction. If 
the application for membership, as above provided, be rejected, 
the fees, as provided, shall be returned to the applicant, except 
the fee of the Medical Examiner. 

L. 23 of Gen. App., as amended 1884. 

Note . — When a beneficiary certificate is cancelled as above provided, and for- 
warded to Supreme or Grand Recorder, the one dollar which is in the beneficiary 
fund in the Subordinate Lodge on such certificate is to be forwarded when the 


CLEARANCE CARD. 


120 


next call is made upon that fund. It takes the same course as on the cancella- 
tion of a beneficiary certificate by death of the brother. 

Dig., ist Ed. , par. 633. 

44. Note. — The following, and many other decisions, equally diverse, 
were made upon Law 23 of General Application, as it stood prior to 1884. 

The Supreme Lodge, at its 12th annual session, held in that year, inserted in 
the law above referred to, the words “except the limitation as to age,” etc. 
Thereby abolishing age as a qualification on deposit of a clearance card, and 
setting at rest the question to whom the following decisions applied. 

Such decisions are inserted here merely as a part of the history of the law on 
that subject. 

45. A member from another beneficiary jurisdiction being subject to the 
same requirements as an applicant for initiation, except in the matter of fees, 
would, if over fifty years of age, be excluded. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1879. 

Held to the contrary. 

Pro. G. L. Wis., 1881, p. 20. , 

Pro. G. L. Penna., 1883, p. 22. 

Note . — The words “except limitation as to age” were added to Law 23 of 
Gen. App. in 1884 (see par. 43). and control the decision on this subject. 

46. When a brother takes a clearance card and deposits it in another 
jurisdiction, the dollar in the beneficiary fund to his credit is sent to the Grand 
Recorder of the State from which the member removed. If he joins another 
Lodge in the same jurisdiction it is sent to such Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1882, p. 14. 

47. A member who takes a clearance card and joins a Lodge in another 
Grand Lodge [beneficiary] Jurisdiction, is liable to assessment for all death 
losses in the jurisdiction from whence he takes the card up to the time of cancel- 
lation of his certificate. 

Pro. Wis. G. L., 1883, p. 10. 

Card, Final, or Withdrawal. See Final Card. 

L. 24 of Gen. Application. 

Certificate Register-Book. See Recorder. 

Certificate, Beneficiary. See Beneficiary Certificate. 

Change of Beneficiary Certificate, as to designation or payees, etc. 

See Beneficiary Certificate, Change of. 

Charges and Offenses. See Trial. 

9 


130 


CHARTER. 


CHARTER. 

1. Charter of Supreme Lodge. Chapter 135, Laws of Kentucky, 1873. 

See Supreme Lodge, Incorporation of. 

The Supreme Lodge has power to establish Grand Lodges, etc. 

2. The Supreme Lodge has power to issue charters to Grand 
Lodges and to Subordinate Lodges in territory not under the 
jurisdiction of a Grand Lodge. 

Art. IV, § 1, Sup. L . Const. 

3. Charter of Grand Lodge. The charters of Grand Lodges are derived 
from the Supreme Lodge. (See above.) 

The’word “charter” is not used convertibly with the expression “dispensa- 
tion for the formation of Grand Lodges.” 

See Art. V., § 1. 

The Supreme Master Workman issues dispensations during the recess, which 
maylbe replaced by charters authorized by the Supreme Lodge. 

4. The operation of the beneficiary system in separate jurisdictions is 
authorized by the Supreme Lodge only so long as the Grand Lodge acts under a 
charter granted by the Supreme Lodge. 

See Art. VII., § 1, Sup. L. Const. 

5. When granted to Grand Lodges. 

See Grand Lodges, how formed. 

6. Two-thirds vote to forfeit charter. A Grand Lodge 
shall not be deprived of its charter, nor have its authority an- 
nulled or suspended (unless otherwise provided in the constitu- 
tion and laws of the Supreme Lodge), except for violation of 
the constitutional enactments, rules and edicts of the Supreme 
Lodge, duly charged by two or more representatives, and sus- 
tained by a vote of two-thirds of the representatives present at 
an annual meeting of the Supreme Lodge. 

Note. — See Relief Law, par. 10, post. 

7. When charter of Grand Lodge shall be revoked. When 
the number of Subordinate Lodges in the jurisdiction of any 
Grand Lodge shall be reduced to five, the charter of such Grand 
Lodge shall, upon the petition of a majority of said Lodges, be 


CHARTER OF SUBORDINATE LODGE. 


131 


revoked, and they shall revert to the immediate jurisdiction of 
the Supreme Lodge. 

L. 13, App. to G. L. 

8 . Revenue. The assessments for revenue made by the Su- 
preme Lodge shall be prescribed from time to time, by the reg- 
ulations thereof, and of which due notice shall be given to all con- 
cerned. Any Grand Lodge failing to pay all assessments made 
upon it, or to make returns as required, shall forfeit all right to rep- 
resentation in the Supreme Lodge, and the names of its represen- 
tatives shall not be enrolled as members of the Supreme Lodge. 
If such assessments be not paid within thirty days after notice 
thereof, the Supreme Master Workman shall suspend the charter 
of such delinquent Lodge, and the members thereof, from all 
rights and privileges of the beneficiary fund and of the Order. 
Said suspension may be removed at any time within three 
months, upon the payment of all assessments due, if, in the 
opinion of the Supreme Master Workman, the welfare of the 
Order may so require. 

Art. XI., Sup. L. Const. 

9. Effect on Subordinate Lodge of the suspension of a 
Grand Lodge. When a Grand Lodge is suspended for any 
cause, the Subordinate Lodges under its jurisdiction shall, dur- 
ing such suspension, be under the control of the Supreme Lodge, 
subject to the laws governing Subordinate Lodges under the 
immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge. 

L. 35, Gen. App. 

10. Relief Law. The charter of any Grand or Subordinate 
Lodge failing or refusing to perform the duties enjoined on 
them by the relief law shall be suspended. 

See Art. IX., § 10, Const. Sup . L. 

CHARTER OF SUBORDINATE LODGE. 

11. Charters are among the “prohibited work.” 


132 


CHARTER OF SUBORDINATE LODGE. 


The Supreme Lodge has the sole power to establish, print 
and provide all charters, etc., of the Order. 

Art. IV, § i, Sup. L. Const. 

12. Note. — All Subordinate Lodges must be provided with a charter, which 
charter must be procured from the Supreme Lodge. 

13. A charter of a Subordinate Lodge is included in the 
supplies furnished the Lodge at its institution. 

L. 10, Gen. App. 

See New Lodge Supplies. 

14. Petition for charter of Subordinate Lodge. Any ten 

or more persons, having the prescribed qualifications, residing 
in a State, District, or Territory, under the immediate jurisdic- 
tion of the Supreme Lodge, may petition the Supreme Master 
Workman, or if residing in the jurisdiction of a Grand Lodge, 
may petition the Grand Master Workman of such jurisdiction 
for a charter for a Subordinate Lodge. 

L. 2 of Gen. App. 

15. Number of members. There is no law limiting the number of charter 
members. ' 

Pro. G. L. Cal. , 1881,/. 15. 

16. Any fifteen persons may petition the G. M. W. for a charter for a 
Lodge. 

Minn. G. L. Const., Art. VIII, § r. 

17. The issuance of a charter during the recess of the Grand Lodge rests 
in the discretion of the Grand Master Workman. 

Art. VI, § 2, N. Y. Gen. Law , governing Sub. Lodges. 

18. Charter fee. No Subordinate Lodge shall be instituted 
under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge for a 
less sum than one hundred dollars, nor under the jurisdiction of 
a Grand Lodge for a less sum than fifty dollars. 

Law 9 of Gen. App. 

19. An impeached Lodge, neglecting or refusing to answer 
within a given time, may be tried and suspended for contempt, 


CHARTER OF SUBORDINATE LODGE. 


133 


provided that to suspend a Lodge, it shall require a two-thirds 
vote of all the members present who may be entitled to vote. 

L. 22, App. to G. L. 

20. Any Lodge which shall cause to be printed for its 
own or others’ use, any of the secret works, withdrawal, clear- 
ance, or traveling cards of the Order, shall, upon satisfactory 
proof thereof, be suspended and forfeit its charter. 

L. 23, App. to G. L. 

Ode cards were stricken from the list of prohibited work at the 7th annual 
session of the Supreme Lodge. 

21. The Constitution of Tennessee defines the quorum necessary to the 
existence of the Subordinate Lodge to be five Master Workmen degree members 
in good standing. 

Art. VIII., § 5, Const. G. L. Tenn. 

22. The least number of members a Lodge can have is ten. 

Pro. G L. Ills., 1880, p. 161. 

23. The G. L. Const, of Tennessee adds at the end of L. 34 of Gen. 
App. ( surrender of charter, see charter), as follows: 

“ But if such surrender is made for the purpose of consolidating with a sister 
Lodge, it shall be permitted to do so without further tax or expense than fifty 
cents for each card granted to members in good standing, and fifty cents for each 
new beneficiary certificate.” 

Art. VIII., § 7, Const, of Tennessee. 

24. The charter of a Lodge may be suspended : 

1. For improper conduct. 

2. For neglecting or refusing to conform to law. 

3. For neglecting and refusing to make returns, as for non-payment of dues 
or assessments. 

4. For neglecting to hold meetings. 

c. For diminution of membership below constitutional quorum. 

L. 21, App. to Gr. Lodges. 

6. Charter may be suspended for contempt. 

Z. 22, App. to G. L. 

7. For illegal printing. 

L. 23, App. to G. L . 


134 


CHARTER OF SUBORDINATE LODGE. 


25. The charter of a Lodge shall not be forfeited without an opportunity 
to be heard. 

L. 2 i, App. to Grand Lodges . 

26. Where the Master Workman of a Lodge certifies to the Grand Re- 
corder that his Lodge has continuously failed for a long time to hold its regular 
meetings, the Grand Recorder may, without requiring further evidence, suspend 
the charter of said Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Kansas , 1881, p. 91. 

27. Subordinate Lodges refusing to award punishment, according to the 
laws, rules and usages of the Order, to members who shall have been convicted 
of immoral conduct, shall be liable to forfeit their charter. 

By-laws G. L. of Illinois, Art. II, § 5. 

28. Many of the causes for which the charter or dispensation of a Lodge 
may be forfeited, and the proceedings therein, as well as its reinstatement, are 
to be found under the title of delinquent and defunct Lodges, which see. 

29. Charter, surrender of. Any Lodge desiring to surren- 
der its charter shall return to the Grand Lodge, or the Supreme 
Lodge, if under its immediate jurisdiction, its charter, books, 
tools, regalia, and money in the beneficiary fund, but may dis- 
pose of its library, furniture and general fund, should it have 
any, as a majority of the members present at the last regular 
meeting of the Lodge may determine. 

L. 34 of Gen. App. 

30. When a Lodge is suspended or dissolved, it shall be the 
duty of the last Master Workman to deliver up to the Supreme 
Master Workman or the Grand Master Workman, as the case 
may be, or their deputies, all its funds and effects, except its 
library, furniture and general fund, which shall be disposed of 
as provided by the general laws of the Order; and if any officer 
or member, having custody of any part of said property or 
effects, refuses to surrender the same, he may be forever excluded 
from membership in the Order, even if his Lodge be reinstated. 


Z. 24 , App. to G. L. 


CHARTER OF SUBORDINATE LODGE. 


135 


31. All funds and effects received by either the Supreme or 
Grand Lodge from a dissolved or suspended Lodge, shall be 
restored in the event of its being reinstated, which reinstatement 
may be done by a majority vote of the Supreme or Grand 
Lodge, as the case may be, at a stated or special session; pro- 
vided, Grand Lodges may fix a time after which such dissolved 
or suspended Lodges shall have no right to said funds and 
effects. 

L. 25, App . to G. L . 

32. Reorganization of a Lodge. If a Lodge has for any reason ceased to 
exercise its functions, but has not been suspended by a two-thirds vote of the 
Grand Lodge, as provided for in Section 2 of “ laws applicable to Grand Lodges," 
and has not members enough in good standing to constitute a quorum, it might 
be admissible to permit such Lodge to resume its functions, by a sufficient num- 
ber of members holding certificates as above, and complying in all respects with 
the requirements of Section 13, Article VIII., meeting together under the super- 
vision and control of the Grand Master Workman, or his deputy, passing medical 
examination, duly approved by Supreme or Grand Medical Examiner, balloting 
for each other, and reorganizing the Lodge in the same manner that new Lodges 
are organized, and subject to the same rules and restrictions. Or, a new Lodge 
might be formed, in the organization of which suspended members, as above 
specified, could join, subject to the foregoing requirements. 

Pro. S. L. 7th Ann. Sess. t p. 15. 

33. The various provisions of law relating to the forfeiture of charter, 
etc., as contained in Laws 21 to 25 inclusive, and Law 36 of General Applica- 
tion, will be found under the title delinquent and defunct Lodges. 

34. A dispensation to confer degrees at charter rates cannot be granted, 
except for thirty days next after the institution of the Lodge. 

Pro. 8th Ann. Sess. S. L., 1880, p. 186. 

See Dispensation, par. 14, 15. 

35. The name of a charter member who was subsequently expelled from 
the Order was not permitted to be erased from the charter of the Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1881 , p. 98. 

36. The names of persons not members of the Order should not appear 
on the charter. 

Pro . G. L . III., 1880 ,p. 161. 


136 


CODE OF TRIALS. 


37. A change of the charter of a Subordinate Lodge, so as to permit its 
meetings to be held in another place, does not invalidate the beneficiary certifi- 
cates of the members. 

Pro. G. L. of Ohio, 1883. 

38. Charter applicants. No person can become a charter member of a 
Lodge unless his name is on the application for charter. (3d S. A. S., p. 6, Pro. 
G. L. Pa.) 

Penna . Rev. Dec., p. 63. 

39. After institution of Lodge. No person can become a charter member 
by signing the application after the Lodge has been instituted. (3d S. A. S., p. 6, 
Pro. G. L. Pa.) 

Penna. Rev. Dec ., p. 64. 

40. A suspended member cannot become a charter member of a new Lodge. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., p. 164. 

CIRCULARS. 

1. Nevada. Any circular emanating from a Subordinate Lodge, or any 
member thereof, which is intended for general circulation among the members 
of the Order, shall be first referred to the G. M. W. before being put in circu- 
lation. 

Whenever the G. M. W. shall disapprove any circular so referred, it shall not 
be lawful for such circular to be promulgated. 

§ 15, Art. I., Laws of G. L. Nevada. 

2. No circulars of any kind can be issued or circulated from one Subor- 
dinate to sister Lodges without the consent of the G. M. W. (9th S. A. S. G. 
L. Pa.) 

Penna. Rev. Dec.,p. 155. 

3. California. Circulars of a Lodge or member are forbidden, unless ap- 
proved by the G. M. W. 

Lazos 16, G. L. Cal. 

CODE OF TRIALS. 

1. Grand Lodges must adopt a uniform code of trials, etc., not in conflict 
with the constitution of the Supreme Lodge or the general laws. 

See Law 9 of Gen. App. 

See Trial. 


COMMITTEES OF SUPREME LODGE 


137 


COLORS. 

Colors of Supreme, Grand and Subordinate Lodge regalias, etc. 

See Regalia. 

COMMISSION. 

Commissions of Deputy Grand Master Workman. 

See Deputy Grand Master Workman, pp. g and io. 

Commissions of Deputy Supreme Master Workman. 

See Deputy Supreme Master Workman, p. 2. 

COMMITTEES OF SUPREME LODGE. 

1. At each annual meeting the Supreme Master Workman 
shall appoint the following standing committees: 

2. A committee on finance, to examine all bills presented 
to the Supreme Lodge; to make out a pay-roll, showing the 
mileage and per diem due each member; to receive from the 
Supreme Recorder all propositions for printing and supplies 
ordered by the Supreme Lodge; to direct to whom contracts 
shall be given; to fix the price to be paid for supplies; to exam- 
ine the books and accounts of the Supreme Recorder and Su- 
preme Receiver whenever required so to do by the Supreme 
Lodge, or the Supreme Master Workman; to submit, at each 
annual meeting, a statement of the property, and the assets and 
liabilities of the Supreme Lodge; and to perform such other 
duties as may be required by the Supreme Lodge or Supreme 
Master Workman. 

Art. IV, § 3, par. 1, Sup. L. Const. 

3. All bills, previous to payment, must receive the endorsement of the ma- 
jority of the finance committee. 

Pro. Ann. Sess. S. L., p. 153. 

4. In the event that the chairman of the finance committee shall find it im- 
practicable to secure the attendance of either of the other members of said com- 
mittee when required to perform any duty, he may select to assist him in doing 
so any one or more Master Workman degree members of the Order in good 
standing. 

Pro. e>th Ann. Sess. S. L., p. 313. 


138 


COMMITTEES OF SUPREME LODGE. 


5. During the interim of the sessions of the Supreme Lodge it shall be the 
duty of the finance committee to establish the price of any printed work or sup- 
plies not before established, and report their action at the next session of the 
Supreme Lodge. 

Pro . 3 d Ann. Sess. S. L., p. 143. 

6. It is the duty Of the finance committee to attest state- 
ments of the Supreme Recorder. 

Art. VIII, § 16, Sup. L. Const. 

No order shall be made by the Supreme Recorder upon the 
beneficiary fund in the Subordinate Lodges, except with the 
approval of the Supreme Lodge finance committee. 

Art. VIII, § 16, Sup. L. Const. 

Printing and Supplies. The Supreme Recorder shall be required to receive 
proposals for all printing and supplies ordered by the Supreme Lodge, and shall 
refer said proposals to the committee on finance, who shall direct to whom con- 
tracts shall be given. 

See Art. IV, § 3, Sup. L. Const. 

<\th Ann. Sess. Sup. L., p. 202. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 103. 

7 A committee on appeals and grievances, to examine 
and report upon all appeals and grievances from Grand or Sub- 
ordinate Lodges, or members thereof, referred to them by the 
Supreme Lodge or the Supreme Master Workman. 

Art. IV, § 3, par. 2, Sup. L. Const. 

8. Note. — The committee on appeals and grievances is appointed at the be- 
ginning of each annual meeting to serve during the meeting. The duty of exam- 
ining appeals and grievances during the interim is placed upon the committee 
on laws and supervision. 

5th par., Art. V, Sup. L. Const. 

9. A committee on laws and supervision, to examine and 
report upon the constitution, by-laws, rules and regulations of 
Grand Lodges, and of Subordinate Lodges under the immediate 
jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge. When the Supreme Lodge 
is not in session, their report shall be made to the Supreme 


COMMITTEES OF SUPREME LODGE. 


139 


Master Workman; and the constitution, by-laws, rules and regu- 
lations of the Grand and Subordinate Lodges aforesaid shall 
have no binding force until approved by the Supreme Lodge or 
the Supreme Master Workman. 

Art. IV, § 3, par. 3, Sup. L. Const. ( 

Appeals during recess. The committee on laws and super- 
vision shall, during the recess of the Supreme Lodge, in addition 
to the other duties required of them, examine and report upon 
all appeals and grievances from Grand or Subordinate Lodges, 
or members thereof, referred to them by the Supreme Lodge or 
the Supreme Master Workman. 

Art. IV, § 3, Sub. 4, Sup. L. Const. 

10. A committee on returns and credentials, to examine 
and report upon all returns to the Supreme Lodge, and the cre- 
dentials of the members thereof. 

Art. IV, § 3, par. 4, Sup. L. Const. 

11. Note. — The committee on returns and credentials are appointed at the 
commencement of each annual session, and serve during its continuance. 

12. Note. — Although there is no law or express rule governing the personnel 
of the committee on credentials, yet a custom seems to have prevailed during 
several years, under which that committee has been composed of officers of the 
Supreme Lodge in attendance at the session. 

13. Standing committees of Supreme Lodge. At the 

close of each annual meeting the standing committees on finance 
and laws and supervision shall be appointed to act until the close 
of the next annual meeting; the committee on laws and super- 
vision shall, during the recess of the Supreme Lodge, in' addi- 
tion to the other duties required of them, examine and report 
upon all appeals and grievances from Grand or Subordinate 
Lodges, or members thereof, referred to them by the Supreme 
Lodge or the Supreme Master Workman. 

Art. IV, § 2, par. 5, Sup. L. Const. 

14. The standing committees appointed at the close of each annual meet- 
ing, viz : the committee on finance and the committee on laws and supervision. 


140 


COMMITTEES OF SUPREME LODGE. 


are required to meet at the place fixed for the annual meetings of the Supreme 
Lodge, three days before the meeting, at which time there shall be placed in 
their hands all business requiring action, and their reports thereon shall be sub- 
mitted to the Supreme Lodge on or before the second day of the meeting 
thereof. 

Pro. 6th Ann. Sess. S. L., p. 399. 

15. Special Committees— how appointed. Special com- 
mittees may be appointed by the Supreme Lodge, or the Su- 
preme Master Workman, from time to time, as circumstances 
may require. 

Art. IV, § 2, Sup. L. Const. 

16. Compensation of standing committees 

See Mileage and per diem, par. 1. 

17. Committees in Grand Lodges. The utmost diversity of practice ex- 
ists in the several Grand Lodges with reference to the number of Grand Lodge 
standing committees, their titles, and the scope of their duties, although it is 
believed a majority of the Grand Jurisdictions follow the rule of the Supreme 
Lodge, with but slight or no modification. 

Illinois, however, has ten committees, as follows : 

Judiciary. 

Finance. . 

Appeals and Grievances. 

Printing and Supplies. 

Legislation. 

Railroads. 

Credentials. 

Analysis and Distribution. 

Returns. 

Mileage and Per Diem. 

Ontario provides for an executive committee consisting of the G. M. W., all 
P. G. M. Workmen, the Grand Foreman, who is ex-officio president of the com- 
mittee, the Grand Overseer, D. Deputy Grand Master Workman (now, 1884, 
numbering 13), the Provincial Medical Examiner and eight other members of the 
Grand Lodge, four of whom are appointed by the Grand Master Workman, and 
four of whom are elected by ballot by the Grand Lodge, upon written nomina- 
tions handed to the Grand Recorder on the first day of the Grand Lodge session. 
These members hold office for two years, the term of one-half the number ex- 
piring each year. Eight members of this committee constitute a quorum. 


COMMITTEES OF SUPREME LODGE. 


141 


The committee is possessed of general powers, covering a wide field in the 
executive or administrative functions of the Grand Lodge during recess. It ap- 
points from its own members sub-committees on credentials, finance, laws and 
supervision, and such others as may seem necessary, and these sub-committees 
are required to report to the executive. An appeal lies from the executive com- 
mittee to the Grand Lodge. 

See Art. V, § 2, Const . G. L. Ontario. 

18. Maryland, etc. The committee on laws and supervision shall examine 
all by-laws of Subordinate Lodges, and shall expunge therefrom such articles, 
sections or words as may conflict with the general laws and regulations of the 
Order. 

A majority of the committee shall attest to the correctness of the same. 

They shall make a full report to the Grand Lodge at its [regular] session. 

Art. XVI, § 15, Const. G. L. Maryland , N. J. and Del. 

Art. XVI, § 16, Const. G. L. Col., N. M. and A. 

19. See By-Laws. 

20. Kansas. During the recess of the Grand Lodge no claim should be al- 
lowed or paid that accrued before the close of the last previous session, and 
which should have been acted upon at that session. 

Pro. G. L. Kans ., 1882,/. 19. 

21. Committees of Subordinate Lodge — how appointed. The Master 
Workman shall appoint all committees unless otherwise ordered by the Lodge. 

Art. X, *§ 1, Sub. L. Const. 

These committees are first 

Standing Committees 

as follows : Auditing Committee and Business Committee. 

22. The relief committee, which is also a standing committee, is made up 
of the M. W., F., and ex-ojficio members. 

Special Committees. 

Besides these, the Master Workman from time to time appoints investigating 
committees, and such special committees as are ordered by the Lodge, unless, 
such committees are designated by the Lodge itself. 

For particular committees see 

Auditing Committee. 

Business Committee. 

Relief Committee. 

Investigating Committee, etc. 


142 


CONSOLIDATION OF LODGES. 


23. The members of a committee may vote for or against the adoption of 
their report. 

Pro. G. L. Kans ., 1882,/. 10. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 124, 

24. Committee of the whole. A Lodge can go into committee of the 
whole for the purpose of discussing questions before it. 

See Pro. G. L. III., 1883,/. 487. 

25. Insufficient reports. Committees sometimes present reports which 
ought not to be adopted nor even received. 

When such a course is possible they should report a definite and substantive 
proposition, the adoption of which will dispose of the subject referred to them. 

Cushing's Manual, § 292. 

Robert's ftules, § 29. 

Warrington' s Manual, § 1 10. 

COMPENSATION OF OFFICERS. 

1. Where a Lodge provides for compensating its Recorder and Financier, 
and they are present at the time and place of meeting, but there is no quorum, 
they are entitled to their compensation. 

Pro. G. L. Kansas, 1880,/. II. 

2. An officer reporting for duty at a Lodge meeting is entitled to his fee for 
services when no session is held for lack of a quorum. (Pro. 10th A. S. Pa.) 

Rev. Dec., 178. 

3. A salaried officer is not entitled to interest on money of the Order. 

See Grand Lodge Officer, Compensation of, par. 69. 

CONSOLIDATION OF LODGES. 

1. Note. — The consolidation of Lodges is effected under rules peculiar to 
each jurisdiction, and under some Grand Lodges which have not adopted any 
express law upon the subject, it is treated as coming under the control of the G. 
M. W., in his executive capacity, and each case is governed according to its own 
circumstances, in his discretion, while in others it is held that the only method 
to accomplish the result is by surrender of the charter and the issuing of cards, 
which may be deposited in another Lodge. The laws regulating the subject 
under the Grand Lodge of Minnesota are as follows : 

2. Minnesota. Two or more Lodges of the same city, town or county may 
consolidate under either, or both of their names, and upon such terms, not in- 


COMPULSORY CONSOLIDATION. 


143 




consistent with the laws of this Order, and subject to the approval of the G. M. 
M., as they may agree, and in the manner following, to-wit: 

The resolutions for such consolidation shall contain all the terms and condi- 
tions thereof, be signed by two-thirds of the members of said consolidating 
Lodges, before action being had thereon, and shall be adopted by a two-thirds 
vole of all the members of each of said Lodges present at said Lodge meetings 
and acting separately thereon. 

A copy of such resolutions of consolidation, signed, sealed and certified by the 
Recorders of the respective Lodges, and accompanied by certificates of such 
Recorders that the conditions thereof have been complied with, shall be trans- 
mitted to the G. M. W., who shall approve or disapprove the same, and endorse 
thereon his action in the premises. If approved, he shall transmit said papers, 
with his approval, to the G. R. , who shall record the same, and thereupon a new 
charter shall be issued to the consolidated Lodges under the name assumed by 
them; but the first numeral of either of said Lodges shall be the number of such 
consolidated Lodge, and the consolidation shall not effect or impair any right of 
either of said Lodges, or any member thereof, not surrendered or waived by 
said resolutions, nor operate as a surrender or annulment of their original char- 
ters, except as effected by the consolidation; and provided that after such con- 
solidation said consolidated Lodges shall be held to have the rights and priv- 
ileges of one Lodge only. i 

If the G. M. W. disapprove of the agreement of consolidation, he shall return 
said agreement, with his decision in the premises, to the Lodges transmitting 
the same, either or both of which Lodges may appeal from such action to the 
Grand Lodge at the next regular session thereof. 

COMPULSORY CONSOLIDATION. 

3. Minnesota. Whenever one or more Lodges in the same town, city, 
place or county, shall fall below the number of twenty, or become weak or 
incapacitated from work as a Lodge, the Grand Master Workman shall have 
power to order one or more of such Lodges consolidated with any other one of 
such Lodges, after first allowing such, by a majority vote of ten members thereof, 
to agree upon the terms of such consolidation, and subject to the approval of the 
G. M. W., as heretofore provided. 

When Lodges do not, within thirty days after notice from the Grand Master 
Workman that they are to be consolidated, agree upon terms of consolidation 
(unless the Grand Master Workman shall further extend the time for making 
such agreement), the Grand Master Workman shall order one or more of such 
Lodges consolidated under the first numeral of either of said Lodges and under 
such name, and upon such terms, in accordance with the laws, rules and usages 


144 


COMPULSORY CONSOLIDATION. 


of this Order as he may deem proper, and shall report his action in the premises 
fully to the Grand Lodge at the next regular session thereof. 

Art. X., by-laws G. L. Minnesota. 

4. The provisions of law relating to the subject of consolidation in the 
Grand Lodge of Missouri are as follows : 

Missouri. When consolidated. — Two or more Lodges may consolidate by 
dispensation of the Grand Master Workman, when, in his opinion, it may be 
to the interest of such Lodges to do so. 

Meeting to consolidate. — When the Lodges desiring to consolidate have 
agreed upon the terms upon which they will unite, they shall meet in convention 
at the place and time agreed upon, and shall surrender to the instituting officer 
their respective charters, and all of their funds, books, and property, taking his 
receipt therefor. 

Installation. — The officer shall then proceed to install the consolidated 
Lodges, in the same form and manner as a new Lodge, under whichever of the 
charters, name and number of the original Lodges that may be agreed upon. 

The instituting officer shall then deliver to the officers of the new Lodge 
the charter under which they are to work, together with the funds, books, and 
other property, taking their receipt thtrefor; and shall deliver to the Grand Mas- 
ter Workman the charter, tools and rituals of the defunct Lodge or Lodges, 
from which time the new Lodge shall be known and recognized by the name as 
adopted. 

5. It will be seen from the foregoing extracts from the laws of two Grand 
Lodges, that a wide variety of practice prevails, and that in any case much of 
detail must be left to the requirements of each particular case. 

See also Surrender of Charter. 

L. 34 Gen. App. 

6. Consolidation of Lodges under the Grand Lodge of Ontario may be 
effected when such Lodges are within five miles of each other, upon a unanimous 
vote of all members present at a meeting of each Lodge, called for the purpose, 
providing the Grand Master Workman consent thereto. 

The Lodge so constituted shall bear the name of the senior Lodge, and funds 
and property of the extinct Lodge belong to it. 

Pro. G. L . Ont .. 1883, p. 77. 

7. Where there is no provision of law allowing one Lodge to join with an- 
other, a Lodge may vote all of its members clearance cards and issue them, and 


CROSSING THE HALL. 


145 


then surrender its charter, and the members can then deposit their cards wher- 
ever they think best. 

Pro. G. L. Kansas, 1881, p. go. 

But see following : 

8. Illinois. A Lodge cannot consolidate with another Lodge in the same 
city or town. 

The only proper method is by members taking withdrawal cards, as provided 
in Art. XIV, Subord. L. Const. [Laws 15-25 inclusive of Gen. App.] 

Pro. G. Z.. Ills., 1879, p. 177. 

9. But see Contra. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y. See Card. — Id., par. 7 . 

CONSTITUTION. 

See Amendments. 

CONTEST. 

See Election Credentials. 

Counsel, right of accused to. 

See Trial. « 

Credentials, committee on, of Supreme Lodge. 

See Committees in Supreme Lodge. 

CORNER STONE. 

See Appendix for Ceremony of Laying. 

CREDENTIALS IN GRAND LODGE. 

1. Credentials of J. S. L., a Grand Lodge representative, being without 
seal, and signed “ J. S. L.,” Master Workman, by C., were rejected. 

Pro. G. L. Tex., 1882, p. 38. 

See also Past Master Workman. 

CREDITORS. 

See Beneficiary Certificate, par. 29, 36, etc. 

CROSSING THE HALL. 

1. As these words are used, they mean to pass between the law and the 
chair of the F. 

Moving from one end of the hall to the other is not crossing the hall. 

Dig. 1st Ed., par. 97. 

10 


D. 

DEATH NOTICE. 

i. Duty of Subordinate Lodge to notify Grand or Supreme Recorder of 

s 

death. 

§ 8, Art. VIII, Sup. L. Const. 

Death, Proof of, etc. 

See Beneficiary Certificate, proof of death. 

DEBT. 

i. Debt of Lodge to member not capable of offset against assessment, etc. 
See Assessment. 


2. Nor against beneficiary fund in hands of an officer. 

See Bonds. 


DECISIONS. 

1. All decisions of the Supreme Lodge have the force and effect of law 
throughout t|ie whole Order wherever applicable. The decisions of the Supreme 
Master Workman have the same force, unless reversed or changed by the Su- 
preme Lodge. 

Dig , 1st Ed., par. 84. 

2. Abstract questions. It is not part of the duty of the Supreme Lodge or 
of its committees to entertain or answer mere abstract questions of constitutional 
constructions. The constitution and laws of the Order amply provide the 
proper mode of deciding all questions that properly arise in the transactions of 
the Order. The practice of propounding and answering questions, as above in- 
dicated, shall, from this time, cease. 

Pro. ~ith Ann. Sess. S. L., p. 114. 


3. Unauthorized questions. It is not proper for the Supreme Master 

% 

Workman to decide questions of law propounded by officers or members of a 
Grand Lodge Jurisdiction, except by request of the Grand Master Workman, or 
when a regular appeal is prosecuted. 

Sth Ann. Sess. Sup. L., 1880, p. 86. 

4. Unauthorized questions. The Supreme Master Workman should not 
render decisions upon matters of difference between Subordinate and Grand 
Lodges, or the officers and members of either, except by regular appeal. 

Pro. Sth Ann Sess. 1880, p. 1 S 5. 


DEGREES. 


147 


5. Questions should be submitted under seal. Questions for official de- 
cision should be submitted, signed by the Master Workman and Recorder, with 
the seal of the Subordinate Lodge attached. 

Pro. N. V. G. L., 1879. 

6. Effect of decisions. The decision of a Grand Lodge is binding upon its 
subordinates, unless reversed by the Supreme Lodge or Supreme Master Work- 
man. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 663. 

7. Refusal to submit questions to Lodge. A Master Workman does 
right in refusing to entertain a question which he believes to be contrary to the 
constitution. 

Recourse may be had by appeal from his decision. 

Pro . G. L. Minn., 1878, p. 47. 

8. Decision of deputy. A mere remark by a deputy is not a decision. 

A deputy need not wait for the Lodge to request him to act when he is the 
witness of some illegality on the part of the Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1880, p. 167. 

9. Decisions on questions of order. In Subordinate Lodges decisions are 
to be made on questions of order by the Master Workman, subject to appeal to 
the Lodge. 

Decision, revocation of. 

See Vacancy. 

DEDICATION. 

See Form of Dedication Ceremony. 

DEFAULTER. 

See Action. 

Where Receiver is defaulter. 

See Agency. 

DEFUNCT LODGE. 

See Delinquent and Defunct Lodge. 

1 DEGREES. 

1. Membership degrees of the Order. The degrees of the Subordinate 
Lodge are those of Junior Workman and Master Workman. 

The conferring of the first of these degrees is held to be the “ initiation ” of a 
candidate, and is a step in his advancement to full membership, which is gained 


148 


DEGREES. 


on his receiving the degree of Master Workman, and the delivery of the bene- 
ficiary certificate to which every Master Workman is entitled. 

2. The Past Master Workman or Grand Lodge degree is conferred by 
the Grand Lodge in session only on those who have passed the Master Work- 
man’s chair (except at the institution of new Lodges), and certain officers, by re- 
quest of their Lodges, after a certain period of consecutive service, or on repre- 
sentatives to the Grand Lodge, where no Past Master Workman can or will 
serve as such. 

The laws, rules and regulations of this degree will be found under the head of 
Past Master Workman, etc. 

3. The degree of honor is distinct from the regular Lodge degrees, and is 
open to members of the Master Workman degree, and the wives, mothers, and 
other female relatives of such members, within certain limits. 

4. The foregoing degrees are each a distinct part of the system of secret 
work, formulated and controlled by the Supreme Lodge in its capacity of head 
of the Order, from which, of necessity, must emanate the uniform and guarded 
rituals, rules and work essential to the existence of a fraternal society. 

Select knights. This is not in any sense a degree of the Order. 

5. Degrees. The several degrees of the Order shall be con- 
ferred at the stated meetings of the Lodge, and not more than 
one degree shall be conferred on any member at the same meet- 
ing without a majority of the Lodge consent thereto, and a dis- 
pensation shall have been obtained from the Supreme Master 
Workman, or his deputy, for each additional degree conferred. 

Art. V, § 1, Sub. L. Const. 

6. Note . — The power of the Supreme Master Workman and his deputies 
to grant dispensations for the conferring of more than one degree on a member 
at the same meeting, in Lodges under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme 
Lodge, is implied in the above section. In Grand Jurisdictions the power of 
granting such dispensations is regulated by the Grand Lodges, and is usually 
conferred upon District Deputy Grand Master Workmen. 

See title Dispensation. 

7. Tennessee. There is no similar provision in the laws or regulation of 
the G. L. of Tennessee, and in that jurisdiction both degrees may be conferred 
the same night without dispensation. 

Pro. G. L. Tennessee , 1883. 






( 


DEGREES. 


149 


Michigan. In the jurisdiction of Michigan the two degrees may be conferred 
at the same meeting by a two-thirds vote of the members present. 

G. L. Mich, by-laws , § 25. 

In New York both degrees may be conferred by unanimous consent of the 
Lodge. r 

§ 6, Art. IX, Const . Sub. L. N. Y. 

8. Conferred at meeting called by G. M. W. In the several Grand Juris- 
dictions, the degrees of the Order may be conferred at special meetings called by 
the Grand Master Workman for the purpose. 

Pro. S. L. , 1882, p. 628. 

9. Only at regular meeting. Degrees can only be conferred at a regular 
meeting. 

N. K, 1878. 

And the foregoing is now the law, except only as to special meetings called by 
the Grand Master Workman for the purpose. 

10. When conferred by sister Lodge, No Subordinate 
Lodge shall confer the degrees upon a member of another Lodge 
without the written consent of the Lodge to which said member 
belongs, given under the seal of said Lodge. 

L. 12 op Gen. App. 

11. A candidate elected to the degrees may receive them at the hands 
of another Lodge than that in which he is elected to membership, upon the re- 
quest or with the permission of the Lodge that elected him. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1881, p. 15. 

12. Where degree may be conferred. A person elected to membership in 
a Lodge, who is compelled to remove into the jurisdiction of another Lodge be- 
fore initiation, may, by consent of the Lodge in which he was elected, have the 
degree conferred upon him by the Lodge into whose jurisdiction he has removed. 

Pro. G. L. Wis., 1883 , pp. 10, 56. 

13. But there should be good reasons for exercising this privilege. The 
member must have been first elected in his own Lodge, and the consent must 
name the person on whom the degrees are to be conferred, and the Lodge con- 
ferring the degrees must be fully satisfied he is the person named. 

Pro. G. L. of Ohio, 1883. 


150 


DEGREES. 


14. Either degree may be conferred upon two candidates at the same time. 

Pro. IVis. G. L., 18S1. 

And upon three candidates. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 188 r, p. 270. 

15. When conferred. A Lodge can confer the Master Workman degree 
before the beneficiary, certificate has been returned by the Grand Recorder. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1883 , p. 488. 

Pro. G. L . Ills., 188 0, p. 164. 

16. Medical certificate must be approved before any degree is conferred. 
No degree can be conferred upon a candidate until the Medical Examiner’s 
certificate is approved by the State Medical Examiner. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y, 1882. 

Mich., Art. VI, §9, Const. 

Ohio, Art VI, § 7, Const. 

17. Charter members may have both degrees conferred the same night, 
and before the return of medical certificates. 

Pro. G. L. Tenil. 1883,/. 8. 

Note . — In such cases, applicants do not become members of the Order until 
their medical examinations are approved by the Supreme or Grand Medical 
Examiner. 

See form of application for membership. 

18. Uniformity' of degree work. There is but one mode of initiation or 
degree work in the Order, and all Lodges must be governed thereby. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 518. 

19. The M. W. may call upon the P. M. W. to give the unwritten work 
when initiating or conferring degrees. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 103. 

20. By whom conferred. An Overseer pro tern, cannot confer the J. W. 
degree unless he has previously held that or some higher office 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1880, p. 29. 

21. The M. W. has the right to call a P. M W., or any competent brother, 
to the chair to confer the degrees, although the Foreman be present. 

In the absence of the M. W. the Foreman exercises the prerogative. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1879. 


DEGREES. 


151 


22. Ballot for each degree. The application of a candidate must be bal- 
loted on at each degree. 

Pro. G. L . Tenn., 1878. 

For laws and decisions relating to other branches, 

See Ballot, Junior Workman, Past Master Workman, etc. 

23 Any Junior Workman, of good standing in the Lodge, 
desirous of being advanced, shall c^use an application to be 
made for his advancement, at a stated meeting of the Lodge, 
when a ballot shall be taken, and if the bails be all white, or not 
more than two black balls shall appear, his application shall be 
granted; if more than two black balls shall appear, his applica- 
tion shall be rejected, and another application shall not be en- 
tertained for the same member for the space of one month there- 
after. 

Art. V, § 2, Const. Sub. L. 

24. Degree or initiation fees. The initiation fee, and fees 
for conferring the several degrees, shall be such an amount as 
shall be prescribed by the by-laws of the Lodge, but in no case 
shall it be less than five dollars for initiation, and four dollars 
for the M. W. degree. 

Art. IV, § 1, Sub. L. Const. 

25. Note . — The above is the rule adopted for Subordinate Lodges under the 
immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge, but Grand Lodges have the right, 
at the institution of a new Lodge, to fix the fees at any rates they see fit, 
amounting to not less than five dollars for the three degrees, under L. 11 of 
Gen. App. 

{See next paragraph.) 

26. Grand Lodges may reduce fees. The Subordinate 
Lodge degrees shall not be conferred upon any person for a less 
sum than five dollars for the two degrees. Except, however, 
that Grand Lodges may provide that at the institution of a new 
Lodge all that may be required of the applicants shall be the 
payment of the fee for charter and supplies. This shall not in- 


152 


DEGREES. 




* 


elude the payment of medical examinations, certificate and ad- 
vance assessment to the beneficiary fund. 

Law ii of Gen. Application. 

27. Indirect reduction illegal. It is contrary to the spirit of the Order for 
Subordinate Lodges to collude or agree with applicants that any part of the 
initiation or degree fees shall be donated back to said applicant on his initiation 
in the Order, or at any subsequent time. 

28. It is contrary to the spirit and letter of our laws for any Subordinate 
Lodge to make any arrangement whatever the effect of which will be directly or 
indirectly to reduce the fees prescribed by the by-laws for conferring the degrees. 

Dig., 1 st. Ed., par. 552, 553. 

Pro. G. L. Or. and Wash., 1882, p. 47. 

/ 

29. Payment of initiation fee to deputy. It is not in violation of the 
laws of the Order to pay a deputy the initiation fee or a part thereof for bringing 
in a new member. 

Laws forbidding the donating back to the candidate, or the reduction of fees 
are not violated thereby. 

Pro. G. L. Maryland, 1881, p. 28. 

{Reversing Dec. G. M. W. , p. 6.) 

30. Reduction of fees. A Subordinate Lodge cannot take money from its 
general fund to pay for a beneficiary certificate when no extra charge is made to 
the candidate for such certificate. 

A Subordinate Lodge cannot, directly or indirectly, reduce the minimum rates 
for admission to the Order. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1879. 

31. Reduction of fees. The various fees mentioned in the constitution 
must be collected, and under no pretense can they be remitted or refunded. 

If a brother is in distress the Lodge has the right to donate such sums as it 
may see fit. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1879. 

32. Fee cannot be reduced by unanimous consent. An applicant can- 
not be received at less than the constitutional fee, even by unanimous consent of 
the Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1879 , A 183. 


DEGREES. 


153 


33 - Five dollars does not include Medical Examiner’s fees, nor the first 
beneficiary dollar (advance assessment), nor one dollar for beneficiary certificate. 
The two degrees are five dollars. 

See Dec. Pro. G. L. Tenn., 1883, p. 8. 

34 * Q* Can we donate — say two dollars — to an M. W. degree member just 
initiated ? A. There is no law to prevent it. 

1 

Pro. G. L. III., 1880 , p. 163. 

35. Note. — This decision is opposed to the spirit of the law and to the weight 
of authority. See foregoing decisions. 

36. Amount of fee. If a Lodge pays the Medical Examiner from its gen- 
eral fund, the amount of fees to be charged for initiation must be fixed at 
that much above the minimum. 

If the initiation fee is fixed at the minimum the candidate must pay the Medi- 
cal Examiner’s fee. 

Pro. G. L. Penna ., 1883, p. 23. 

37. Graded degree fees. Subordinate Lodges have the right to grade the 
fees for the degrees according to the age of the applicant, the amount in no case 
to be less than the minimum fixed by the Supreme or Grand Lodge. 

Pro. Sup. L. loth A tin. Sess. , 1880, p. 187. 

Pro. Wis. G. L., 1881, p. 18. 

38. It is believed that the Grand Lodge of Illinois is the only one that, 
at this time (January, 1885), has adopted a uniform graded system of degree fees. 

At the Grand Lodge session of that jurisdiction, held in 1884, the minimum 

* 

rate for the initiation or J. W. degree fee was fixed at three dollars, and the M. 
W. degree fee was placed on a sliding scale, ranging from two dollars at the age 
of 21 to 22 to forty-five dollars at the age of 49 to 50. 

Art. IV, § 1, Const. Subord. L. of Ills. 

39. Prepayment required. The fees for the degrees must be paid before 
conferring the same, and the Lodge has no right to take the note of the candi- 
date in payment or part payment of such fees. 

Pro. G. L. Wis., 1879. 

40. A motion to receive a petition for membership and confer the de- 
grees without the fees having been paid cannot be entertained. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1880, p. 159. 


154 


DEGREES. 


41. Application fee cannot be declared forfeited by by-law on rejection of 
candidate. 

See By-Law. 

42. If an applicant be rejected by the State Medical Examiner, the one 
dollar sent to the Grand Recorder for beneficiary certificate should be returned. 

Pro. G. Z. Tenn ., 1883, p. 9. 

43. When an applicant has been refused admission, or when a J. W. 
has been refused a beneficiary certificate, the initiation and degree fees should be 
returned to him. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1882, p'. 15. 

44. Applicants must comply with beneficiary article. 

Each member, upon making application for the Master Work- 
man degree, shall conform to all the requirements set forth in 
the beneficiary article governing Subordinate Lodges; and no 
member shall be advanced to that degree until each and all of 
said requirements have been fully complied with. 

Sub. L. Const., Art. IV, § 2. 

45 - Note . — The requirements referred to in the above section will be found 
under the various titles connected with the article named. 

See Beneficiary Certificate, Medical Examination, etc. 

46. Failure of applicant to present himself. A brother who has received 
the Junior Workman degree, and fails to present himself for the Master Work- 
man degree for a period of four weeks, forfeits all rights to advancement, as well 
as all moneys paid to the Lodge, unless satisfactory excuse be given and accepted 
by the Lodge. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 514. 

47 - Note . — There is no general law on this subject, but the above decision 
is a carrying out of the rules in Section 2, of Article II, of the constitution, in 
regard to applicants for membership, and may be regarded as the law by usage 
in all jurisdictions. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 515. 

48. A brother of the Junior Workman degree who fails to take the Master 
Workman degree within three months, must be re-examined before he can be 
advanced. < 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 544. 

See Medical Examination. 

See Application Junior Workman. 


DEGREE OF HONOR. 


155 


DEGREE OF HONOR. 

1. The degree of honor is a special degree of the Order, intended to pro- 
mote union, sympathy and friendship among the wives, daughters, mothers and 
sisters of members of the Order, and to recognize them as having interests con- 
nected with the Order. Every Master Workman degree member in good stand- 
ing may receive the degree upon payment of the required fee. It is not to be 
conferred upon any other persons except such members, and those related to 
them, as above specified. 

2. How the degree may be conferred. The degree of honor may be con- 
ferred by the Supreme Master Workman or his deputies, a Grand Master Work- 
man or his deputies, a Past Master Workman or the acting Master Workman of 
a Subordinate Lodge. A Lodge of the degree of honor may be called by any of 
the above named officers, and the degree conferred at a special session of a Sub- 
ordinate Lodge, or in a private and secure place suitable for the purpose. 

Big., ist Ed , par. 520. 

3. Organization of degree of honor Lodges. Upon the application of fif- 
teen petitioners, composed of Master Workmen in good standing in their respect- 
ive Lodges, their wives, daughters, mothers and sisters, with the fee of five dol- 
lars accompanying the same, the Grand Master Workman of the jurisdiction in 
which said petitioners reside shall cause to be issued a dispensation to said 
applicants to institute a Lodge of the degrees of honor of the Ancient Order of 
United Workmen, with the power to adopt such by-laws for their government as 
do not conflict with the ritualistic work of the degree or the general laws of the 
Order. 

Dig., ist Ed , par. 521. * 

4. Note — The designation of the elective officers of the degree of honoris 
not fixed by the ritual, and is, therefore, to be made in the constitution which 
the Lodge may adopt. 

Dig. , ist Ed., par. 525. 

5. Separate beneficiary jurisdictions may attach a beneficiary feature to 
their degree of honor Lodges in accordance with the provision of Art. VI, § 6, 
constitution Supreme Lodge. 

Pro. 10th Attn. Sess. Sup. L. 1882 , p. 642. 

This section is as follows : 

Each Grand Lodge, set apart as a separate beneficiary juris- 
diction, may enact laws and regulations providing for the 


156 


DEGREE OF HONOR. 


creating and disbursing of an increase of the beneficiary fund; 
provided, such increase shall form a separate and distinct fund, 
and shall in no manner affect the beneficiary fund as it now ex- 
ists; and provided further, that such laws and regulations shall 
be submitted to and receive the approval of the Supreme 
Lodge. 

Art. VI, § 6, Sup. L. Const. 

6 . Note . — The laws of the Order in regard to this subject are not very full 
nor explicit. The Supreme Lodge leaves each Grand Lodge to form the consti- 
tution and laws for degree of honor, which must not be inconsistent with the 
laws of the Order, If any question of conflict with the established rules or laws 
of the Order should arise, it should be referred to the proper deputy of the 
Grand Master Workman or Supreme Master Workman, to be settled as other 
questions of law or usage arising in the district or jurisdiction are settled. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 522. 

7. Ritual of degree of honor. The Grand Lodge of California having 
been authorized to use in that jurisdiction a degree of honor ritual different from 
that theretofore adopted by the Supreme Lodge, the following preamble and 
resolution were adopted at the 12th Ann. Sess. of the Supreme Lodge (1884): 

Whereas, The jurisdiction of California, by consent of the Supreme Lodge, 
through its Supreme Master Workman, has adopted and used a ritual for the 
degree of honor which is different from the one adopted by the Supreme Lodge; 
and 

Whereas, The Kansas jurisdiction is desirous of adopting and using the same 
ritual ; therefore, be it 

Resolved , That the Grand Lodge of Kansas is hereby permitted to use the de- 
gree of honor ritual now used by the Grand Lodge of California. 

But on a prior day of the same session a committee on the degree of honor 
had presented the following report : 

“Your committee, to whom was referred the ritual, unwritten work, ceremonies 
of installation, constitution, by-laws, and rules for the degree of honor, as sub- 
mitted by the representatives from California, has carefully examined the same 
and find them well and carefully prepared, and peculiarly fitted for the further- 
ance of uniformity on the work and prosperity for this branch of our Order, and 
we recommend that the same be adopted by this Supreme Lodge.” 

And this report was adopted by the Supreme Lodge. 


DEGREE OF HONOR. 


157 


8. When the M. W. confers the degree of honor, he has charge of and is 
responsible for the safe-keeping of the rituals. But when there is a degree 
master elected, he has charge of and is responsible for the same. (5th S. A. S.,) 
G. L. Pa., p. 7; Rev. Dec. 49. 

9. No ballot can be taken for degree of honor members. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 114. 

Note . — While this is the law in the jurisdiction of Pa., yet it is within the 
province of other jurisdictions to provide for a ballot if deemed necessary. 

See par. 22. 

10. All D. D. G. M. W. must have the degree of honor before they can 
be commissioned as such. Id., 127. 

11. The semi-annual password of the degree of honor must be sent to the 
D. D. G. M. W. the same as other passwords. (8th S. A. S.) Id., 128. 

12. The Subordinate Lodge has the right to call a special meeting for the 
purpose of conferring the degree of honor. (8th S. A. S.) Id., 134. 

13. The Recorder of the Subordinate Lodge will not keep a record of 
special meetings called to confer the degree of honor. (8th S. A. S.) Id., 135. 

14. California. At the time of writing this, only the Grand Lodges of Cal- 
ifornia and Kansas have adopted a constitution for the government of the de- 
gree of honor Lodges. 

The plan as now in force in those jurisdictions comprises an optional benefi- 
ciary system, governed with respect to application for and admission to member- 
ship, and assessment, collection and disbursement of the beneficiary fund, by laws 
substantially similar to those of Art. VIII, (Ben. Art.) Sup. L. Const., but with 
one important exception hereafter noted. 

As before mentioned, the beneficiary feature is optional, i. e., members of the 
degree are not compelled to subscribe to the beneficiary system, but may join 
or retain their membership in the degree for the social feature alone. 

Only a brief epitome of the constitution governing the degree of honor in 
these Grand jurisdictions can be given. 

The main provisions are as follows : 

The Lodge shall consist of not less than twenty members. 

Those eligible to membership are 

1st. Master Workmen in good standing in the Subordinate Lodge. 

2d. The wife, sister, daughter, mother, widow, or lady blood relative of a 
Master Workman who is a regular inmate and part of the family and household 
of a Master Workman, and of good moral character. 


158 


DEGREE OF HONOR. 


The method of application : 

Recommendation, reference, and ballot are the same as those in force in the 
Subordinate Lodge. 

The application fee is not less than one dollar. 

Meetings are weekly, semi-monthly or monthly, and the provisions respecting 
a quorum and the attendance of officers necessary to complete it are analogous 
to the corresponding laws of the Subordinate Lodge, A. O. U. W. 

The elective officers of the Degree Lodge are as follows : 

Past Chief of Honor. 

Chief of Honor. 

Lady of Honor. 

Chief of Ceremonies. 

Recorder. 

Financier. 

Receiver. 

Sister Usher. 

Inside Watchman, and 

Outside Watchman, and also 

Three Trustees. 

The constitutional provisions regulating the duties of these officers are, in the 
main, the same as the laws fixing the duties of P. M. W., M. W. etc. The Past 
Chief of Honor occupying the place of P. M. W.,the Chief of Honor presiding 
with substantially the same rights, powers, and duties as M. W. The laws with 
reference to the duties of Foreman and Overseer, and the right of succession to 
the M. W. chair being respectively those of the Lady of Honor and Chief of 
Ceremonies, and the legal duties of other elective officers having the same re- 
semblance to corresponding officers of the Subordinate Lodge. 

The appointed officers are Adviser to Chief of Honor, and First and Second 
Maids of Honor to the Lady of Honor. 

Medical Examiners are selected in the same manner and subject to the 
same laws as are prescribed for Subordinate Lodges. 

The nomination, election and installation of officers and their removal are 
governed by rules similar to those in force in the Subordinate Lodge, and in 
fact all laws, rules, and regulations of the Ancient Order of United Workmen 
are applied to the degree of honor, so far as they are consistent, unless provision 
is otherwise made. 

All pecuniary obligations incurred in behalf of the degree of honor are to be 
met by the members of such degree. 

BENEFICIARY REGULATIONS. 

A member of the degree of honor desiring to join its beneficiary department 
makes application for its benefits, setting forth the fact of admission to such de- 


DEGREE OF HONOR. 


15f> 


gree, promising compliance with the rules of the Order as a condition prece- 
dent, and certifying to the truth of the answers in the medical examination. 

A further condition is that the applicant shall designate a beneficiary or payee, 
and that failure to do so shall work a forfeiture of the certificate, 

The application fee is two dollars, which is paid to the Financier, one dollar 
of which is placed in the beneficiary fund. 

The remaining one dollar is sent together with the application and medical ex- 
amination to the Grand Recorder, whose duties in relation to the issuing of ben- 
eficiary certificates, and other matters connected therewith, are practically the 
same as under the Supreme Lodge beneficiary article. 

DEGREE OF HONOR BENEFICIARY CERTIFICATE. 

The beneficiary sum in the degree of honor is five hundred dollars, and the 
certificate therefor is issued under the authority of the Grand Lodge, signed 
by the G. M. W. and Grand Recorder, countersigned by the Chief of Honor and 
Recorder, and attested with the seal of the Degree Lodge. 

A departure from the beneficiary system of the Subordinate Lodge is found in 
the fact that on the last meeting night in each month the Receiver of the Degree 
Lodge is required to forward to the Grand Recorder fifty cents for each benefi- 
ciary member in good standing, with all arrearages. 

Should these monthly remittances at any time form a fund in the hands of the 
Grand Recorder in excess of one thousand dollars, the Grand Recorder notifies 
the Degree Lodge that no remittance shall be made until further notice. 

Should the regular monthly remittances be insufficient to pay current death 
losses, the Grand Recorder shall issue a call for an amount sufficient to supply 
the deficiency. 

A per capita tax of ten cents is paid by degree of honor Lodges to the Grand 
Lodge, and this may be increased or diminished by the Grand Lodge. 

15. Special meetings. A Subordinate Lodge has the right to call a special 
meeting of the degree of honor. 

16. When a Subordinate Lodge calls a special meeting for the purpose of 
conferring the degree of honor, the Recorder should not enter the proceedings 
of such meeting on the minutes. 

17. Elections and appointments. The elective officers shall be elected on 
the last regular meeting nights of June and December, and shall serve for the 
term of six months, or until their successors have been elected and installed. 
The appointed officers shall be appointed on the first regular meeting nights of 
January and July, and shall serve for the term of six months, or until their suc- 
cessors shall have been duly appointed and installed. — D. of H. Ritual. 


160 


DEGREE OF HONOR. 


18. Semi-annual password. The semi-annual password of the degree of 
honor must be forwarded to the District Deputy Grand Master Workman, and 
communicated by him the same as other passwords, when he is in possession of 
the degree. 

19. Degree of honor regalia. Sash of purple, 3^ inches wide, trimmed 
with gold lace, fringed on bottom ends six inches up to uniting point; heart of 
silver bullion on sash at center of breast. Officers same, with addition of five- 
pointed gilt stars, one above and one below the heart. Past officers same, 
except sash to be trimmed all around with gold lace and bullion fringe two inches 
long. 

Dig ., 1st Ed., par. 579. 

20. Degree of honor emblem. The degree of honor emblem, for the wives, 
daughters, mothers and sisters of Master Workmen, is a golden heart, bearing 
upon one side the inscription “ W. W. T. Q. E,” and upon the other “ Talitha 
Cumi.” 

Pro. 1 st Ann. Sess., p. 9. 

21. Badge for degree of honor. A circular medal of the diameter of one 
and one-fourth inches, bearing upon its face the figure of a heart, inscribed with 
the words “ Talitha Cumi,” and surmounted by the letters “A. O. U. W.,” and 
suspended from a cross-bar one and one-fourth inches in length, which is con- 
nected by a ribbon one inch in width and two inches in length to a pin-bar one 
and one-half inches in length. The color of the metal parts to be yellow, and 
the ribbon pink. Jewels for officers same as for Subordinate Lodge officers. 
The badges not to prejudice such regalia as may be in actual use by the D. of 
H. Lodges. 

Pro. qth Ann. Sess. Sup . L.,p. 461. 

22. Ballot. It is the duty of D. of H. Lodges to use the ballot as in Sub- 
ordinate Lodges. M. W. degree members may be rejected in D. of H. Lodges 
by black ball. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1879, p. 34. 

23. Appeals from degree of honor Lodges are taken to the G. M. W., 
and are acted -upon by the committee on appeals, etc., as other appeals are acted 
upon. 

See Pro. G. L. Cal., 1879, p. 34. 

m 

24. A Master Workman’s widow is eligible to take the degree of honor. 

If, having said degree, and being a member of a degree of honor Lodge, she 

marries a person not a member, she would not lose membership. 


DELINQUENT AND DEFUNCT LODGES. 


161 


If she had been a Workman’s widow and married a person not a member be- 
fore applying for the degree, she would not be eligible, as she would not be a. 
Master Workman’s “ widow," but somebody else’s “ wife." 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1883, p. 14. 

DELINQUENT AND DEFUNCT LODGES. 

1. Any Lodge may be suspended or dissolved, and its charter 
or dispensation forfeited to the Supreme Lodge or Grand Lodge, 
as the case may be: 

First — For improper conduct. 

Second — For neglecting or refusing to conform to the consti- 
tution and laws of the Supreme or Grand Lodge, or the general 
laws and regulations of the Order. 

Third — For neglecting or refusing to make its returns, or for 
non-payment of dues, or of assessments for the beneficiary fund, 
to the Supreme Lodge or Grand Lodge, as the case may be. 

See Art. VIII, § n, Sup. L. Const.. 

Fourth — For neglecting to hold the regular stated meetings, 
as provided by law, unless prevented by some unforeseen cir- 
cumstances. 

Fifth — By its membership diminishing so that less than a con- 
stitutional quorum is left. Ibid. 

See Quorum. 

Provided, that in all cases, the charter or dispensation shall 
not be forfeited until the Lodge shall have been duly notified of 
its offense by the Supreme Recorder or the Grand Recorder, as 
the case may be, and suitable opportunity given to answer the 
charge made against it. 

L. 21 of Gen. App. 

2. No Lodge should be allowed to disband so long as it has members 
enough in good standing to constitute a quorum. 

Pro. G. L. Minnesota , 1884, p. 42. 

3. Reorganization of a Lodge. If a Lodge has for any reason ceased to 
exercise its functions, but has not been suspended by a two-thirds vote of the 
Grand Lodge, as provided for in Section 2 of “ Laws Applicable to Grand 

11 


162 


DELINQUENT AND DEFUNCT LODGES. 


Lodges,” and has not members enough in good standing to constitute a quorum, 
it might be admissible to permit such Lodge to resume its functions, by a suffi- 
cient number of members holding certificates as above (See No. 377), and com- 
plying in all respects with the requirements of Section 13, Article VIII, meeting 
together under the supervision and control of the Grand Master Workman, or 
his deputy, passing medical examination, balloting for each other, and reorgan- 
izing the Lodge in the same manner that new Lodges are organized, and 
subject to the same rules and restrictions. Or a new Lodge might be formed, 
in the organization of which, suspended members, as above specified, could join, 
subject to the foregoing requirements. 

Pro. S. L. *]th Ann. Sess., p. 15. 

4. Lodge printing prohibited work. Any Lodge which 
shall cause to be printed for its own or others’ use, any of the 
secret works, withdrawal, clearance or traveling cards of the 
Order, shall, upon satisfactory proof thereof, be suspended and 
forfeit its charter. 

L. 23, App. to G. L, 

5. When a Lodge is suspended or dissolved, it shall be the 
duty of the last Master Workman to deliver up to the Supreme 
Master Workman or the Grand Master Workman, as the case 
may be, or their deputies, all its funds and effects, except its 
library, furniture and general fund, which shall be disposed of 
as provided by the general laws of the Order; and if any officer 
or member, having custody of any part of said property or 
effects, refuses to surrender the same, he may be forever excluded 
from membership in the Order, even if his Lodge be reinstated. 

L. 24, App. to G. L. 

6. Members of defunct Lodges. A Lodge that has been 
suspended for the period of three months under the provisions 
of Article VIII, Section n, of the constitution, or a Lodge that 
has voluntarily surrendered its charter or had the same taken 
away for any cause, shall be termed and known as a defunct 
Lodge. Its membership shall be disposed of as herein provided, 
if said Lodge is not reorganized within the period of one year 
from the time it became defunct. Should the members of said 


DELINQUENT AND DEFUNCT LODGES. 


163 


Lodge desire to reorganize within the period before mentioned, 
they may do so, provided there be the names of seven of the 
former members of the Lodge on the petition sent to the Su- 
preme Master Workman or Grand Master Workman for that 
purpose; they shall pay the expenses of the Supreme Master 
Workman or Grand Master Workman, and they shall, on reor- 
ganizing said Lodge, also pay for such supplies as are necessary 
to complete the reorganization. A member of a defunct Lodge 
who was in good standing at the time of its dissolution may be 
admitted into another Lodge after having applied to and re- 
ceived from the Supreme Master Workman or Grand Master 
Workman, as the case may be, a card signed by said Supreme 
Master Workman or Grand Master Workman, and attested by 
the Supreme Recorder or Grand Recorder, with the seal at- 
tached, and countersigned by the member. The application 
for such card must be made within twenty days of the date of 
the dissolution of the Lodge, and must be accompanied with 
the fee of two dollars, the card to hold good for six months. 
The member holding the card must notify the Supreme Re- 
corder or Grand Recorder, as the case may be, of his address, 
and must forward his assessments for the beneficiary fund when- 
ever notified, as required by the beneficiary laws of the Order. 
He must, before the expiration of six months, deposit said card 
with some Subordinate Lodge, and in event of his failure to do 
so, then his beneficiary certificate shall be annulled by the Su- 
preme Recorder or Grand Recorder, provided that if any 
brother having attempted to comply with the provisions of this 
section and been rejected by a Subordinate Lodge, he may re- 
tain his membership in the Order by continuing to pay his as- 
sessments to the Supreme Recorder or Grand Recorder, and 
paying further to said Supreme Recorder or Grand Recorder 
the sum of five dollars annual dues. 

A suspended member of a defunct Lodge, or a Lodge in an- 
other beneficiary jurisdiction from that in which he resides, 
may be reinstated in any Lodge, provided he has been suspended 


164 


DEPUTY GRAND MASTER WORKMAN. 


for over two years, and has resided within the jurisdiction of 
the Lodge to which he applies for at least one year; and, pro- 
vided further , that he has complied with the requirements of 
Section 13 of the beneficiary article. 

Provided still further , that no officer or member, at the time of 
the suspension of any Grand Lodge, which has been heretofore 
or shall be hereafter suspended, shall have the benefit of this 
provision. 

L. 36 of Gen. App. as amended, 1884. 

See Charter, par. 32-33. 

7. A member of a defunct Lodge which surrendered its charter several 
years ago may be again received into the Order on an application for a charter 
for a new Lodge. 

Pro. 8 th Ann. Sess. S. L., 1880, p. 187. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1876. 

Deposit of card, fee on, 

See Clearance Card, par. 43. 

DEPUTY GRAND MASTER WORKMAN, 

1. Deputy Grand Master Workmen are subordinates or representatives 
of the Grand Master Workman, and report to him, and not directly to the Grand 
Lodge. Their appointment gives them no rights or privileges in the Grand 
Lodge, neither does it conflict with their serving as representatives, if duly 
qualified and elected. The manner of their appointment and the defining of 
their jurisdictions and duties are regulated by the constitutions and regulations 
of the different Grand Lodges. When their duties are limited to a district, they 
are styled District Deputy Grand Master Workmen. Lodge deputies are also 
provided for by several Grand Lodges. There is no general law on the subject 
of Deputy Grand Master Workmen, and there is considerable variety in the pro- 
visions in regard to them in different Grand Lodge Jurisdictions. In general, 
deputies are representatives of the Grand Master Workman in the district as- 
signed to them, and it is their duty to see that the work of the Order is per- 
formed uniformly, and the laws and regulations complied with; to install, or 
cause to be installed, the officers of Subordinate Lodges; to receive the semi- 
annual reports and Grand Lodge dues; institute new Lodges, and have a general 
care and supervision of the interests of the Order within their districts. 

Dig., 1st Ed., p. 152. 


_ 


DEPUTY GRAND MASTER WORKMAN. 


165 


2. A District Deputy Grand Master Workman is not an officer of a 
Grand Lodge. 

Pro. 2 >d Ann. Sess. S. L..p. 143. 

3. As to power to grant dispensations and duty therein, 

See title Dispensation. 

4. District Deputy Grand Master Workmen must be Past Master Workmen. 

Pro. G. L. Iowa . 1875,/. 24. 

5. A Junior P. M. W. is eligible to the office of D. D. G. M. W. 

Pro. G. L. Ohio . 1883. 

6. A Past Master Workman, although never a representative to the Grand 
Lodge, may be appointed a Deputy Grand Master Workman. 

Pro. G. L. Ills ., 1883, p. 489. 

7. An acting Master Workman cannot be a Lodge Deputy. 

Pro. G. L. III.. 1879, P* 18 1. 

8. Inconsistent offices. The offices of M. W. and Lodge Deputy cannot 
both be held at the same time. 

Pro. G. L. Illinois . 1881 . p. 270. 

9. Commissions of deputies expire at the session of the Grand Lodge next 
after their issue. 

Pro. G. L. Or. and Wash.. 1882,/. 46. 

10. The commission of deputy terminates with the official term of the G. 
M. W. making the appointment unless it is sooner revoked. 

11. Compensation. When the compensation of a deputy for organizing 
and instituting a Lodge is fixed (as in N. Y., at $50), this sum includes all ser- 
vices and expenses. 

N. K, 1878. 

12. Compensation. The reasonable expenses of the D. D. G. M. W., 
spoken of in the constitution, are the expenses incurred in visiting and installing 
the officers of the Lodge once in each term. 

Penna. Revised Decisions . 18. 

13. It is the duty of the D D. G. M. W. to examine the books of the 
Recorder and Financier of each Lodge in his district, at least once every six 
months, and see that they are kept in proper form, as directed by the Grand 
Lodge. Id.. 37. 


166 


DEPUTY GRAND MASTER WORKMAN. 


14. The D. D. G. M. W. has the right to examine the books of a Subor- 
dinate Lodge between regular meetings. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 137. 

15. Not to write decision in record of Lodge. It is not legal for a D. D. 
G. M. W. to write any decision in the record-book of a Subordinate Lodge. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 136. 

16. A D. D. G. M. W. has no right to order the M. W. to sign any partic- 
ular motion or resolution adopted by the Lodge. 

The Master Workman should sign the minutes, and the Recorder should 
certify any copy thereof should occasion require. 

Pro. G. L. Tex., 1882,/. 9. 

17. A District Deputy Grand Master Workman has not authority to 
deputize any other person to represent or act for him in the organization and 
institution of a Lodge. Should a Lodge, however, be instituted by one depu- 
tized for that purpose by a District Deputy Grand Master Workman, the Lodge 
would be entitled to all the rights and privileges of a regularly instituted Lodge, 
although it was done in an informal manner, being itself guilty of no fault. 

Pro. 7th Anr{. Sess. S. L., p. 150. 

18. Note. — It is presumed that the irregularity must be rectified by a ratifica- 
tion of the act by the Grand or Supreme Lodge. 

19. Recorder may act as District Deputy. The fact that a brother is Re- 
corder of his Lodge does not disqualify him from acting as D. D. G. M. W., 
provided he is a P. M. W., or has sensed three consecutive terms as Recorder of 
his Lodge. 

Pro. Ohio G. L., 1883. 

20. Note. — It is suggested that the words above italicized must be construed 
in connection with the requirements of L. 19, app. to Grand Lodges. 

21. Cannot delegate power. A D. G. M. W. cannot appoint a D. G. 
M. W., nor can he appoint a special deputy to organize a Lodge or install offi- 
cers. 

Pro. G. L. Tex., 1883 p. 36. 

22. Under the system adopted in Pennsylvania, it is the duty of the D. 
D. G. M. W. to call a meeting of the P. M. W. in the district thirty days before 
the election in November, to nominate candidates for D. D. G. M. W. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 140. 


DEPUTY GRAND MASTER WORKMAN. 


167 


2 3 * The G. M. W. can appoint some one district deputy instead of the 
brother chosen by the P. M. W. of the district. 

The election is a recommendation. 

Pro. Penna. G. L. t 1883, p. 23. 

24. A dispensation cannot be granted to allow the P. M. W.’s of a Lodge 
to vote for G. L. officers where they failed to vote at the last meeting in No- 
vember. 

Pro. G. L. Pa ., 1883,/. 23. 

25. Lodge deputies are provided for in the constitution of Illinois. 

Art. VI, § 1, Const. G. L. III., and in Tennessee. 

26. Tennessee. In the absence of the Deputy G. M. W. the Lodge Deputy 
has full power to grant dispensation. 

Pro. G. L. Tenn ., 1879,/. 12. 

27. Medical Examination. It is not the duty of a Lodge Deputy to pass 
on the Medical Examiner’s report before a candidate can be balloted for except 
in the organization of new Lodges. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1881 ,p. 265. 

28. Illinois. Lodge Deputy may institute a Lodge in his county. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1880 ,p. 161. 

29. A Lodge Deputy may legally act as prosecutor for the Lodge or coun- 
sel for a member on trial, but if there are other members qualified, they should 
be selected rather than the Lodge Deputy, whose duty it is to watch the case in 
the interest of the Order generally, and to see that the laws are impartially ad- 
ministered. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1881,/. 263. 

Illinois. The representatives, or any P. M. W. of each Subordinate 
Lodge, may be appointed as the deputy of the Grand Master Workman, and act 
as the representative of the G. M. W. in his Lodge, etc. 

Const. G. L . III., Art. VI, § 10. 

31. Illinois. Representatives to the G. L. appointed Lodge Deputy G. M. 
W. may act as such adinteritn prior to the approval of their bonds and issuing of 
their commissions. 

See Pro. G. L. Illinois, 1881,/. 262. 


168 


DEPUTY SUPREME MASTER WORKMAN. 


32. For duties in relation to other subjects connected with organization of 
Lodges, 

See Medical Examination, New Lodges, Etc. 

Art. VIII, § 18, Sup. L . Const. 

Past Master Workman, decisions. See Grand Master Workman, Etc. 

DEPUTY SUPREME MASTER WORKMAN. 

1. The Supreme Master Workman may appoint such dep- 
uties as may be necessary for the promotion of the interests of 
the Order, and in such case shall require from each a bond with 
approved sureties, in such penalty as he may’determine, and re- 
voke such appointments at pleasure. 

Art. V, § 1, Sup. L. Const. 

2. The Supreme Master Workman may commission such P. M. W. as 
deputies as he may deem for the best interests of the Order. 

Pro. Ann. Sess., 1875 ,p. 126. 

Pro. id Ann. Sess., 1874 ,p. 39. 

3. Note. Deputy Supreme Master Workmen, being appointed by the 
Supreme Master Workman for specific purposes, and their appointments being 
revocable' at his pleasure, they are not officers of the Supreme Lodge, nor en- 
titled to any rank or position in the same by virtue of their appointment as 
deputies. Their reports are made to the Supreme Master Workman, and not to 
the Supreme Lodge. 

4. A Deputy Supreme Master Workman who institutes a Grand Lodge 
shall receive the same compensation as he does for instituting a Subordinate 
Lodge. 

Pro. id Ann. Sess. S. L.,p. 132. 

5. If a Grand Lodge is instituted by the Supreme Master Workman, he 
shall be paid by the Supreme Lodge his actual necessary expenses, if the distance 
does not exceed five hundred miles from his place of residence; and for any dis- 
tance exceeding five hundred miles, a Deputy Supreme Master Workman shall 
institute the Grand Lodge, or the Grand Lodge instituted shall pay the additional 
expenses of the Supreme Master Workman. Ibid. 

6. The compensation which an instituting officer shall be allowed for in- 
stituting a new Lodge under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge 


DISPENSATIONS. 


169 


shall be fifty dollars. Grand Lodges may determine what shall be paid for their 
services in their respective jurisdictions. 

Pro . 5 th Ann. Sess. S. L., p. 62. 

7 * Have no right to appoint deputies. Deputy Supreme Master Work- 
men have no right to appoint deputies to institute Lodges. 

Pro. Sth Ann. Sess. Sup. L., 1880, p. 188. 

DISPENSATIONS. 

1. Note. — The power of a Grand Master Workman to grant dispensations for 
the conferring of more than one degree on the same person on the same evening 
is recognized in the Subordinate Lodge constitutions in all jurisdictions, and by 
usage is also generally exercised by Deputy Grand Master Workmen. The 
power to grant dispensations for other purposes is not generally defined and 
limited. The constitutions of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and Iowa give 
the Grand Master Workman and his deputies authority to grant dispensations 
“ when they may deem it for the interest of the Order, and not in violation of 
any fundamental law, or inconsistent with the usage of the Order.” This limi- 
tation of the right to grant dispensations seems to be one which is necessary to 
the preservation of the uniformity and system which are requisite to maintain 
the stability of the Order. However, it is to be understood as a fixed rule of 
the Order that no dispensation can be granted to set aside or disregard any gen- 
eral law of the Order, nor a by-law of a Subordinate Lodge. 

Dig., \st Ed., par. 157. 

2. Upon the subject of dispensations these rules have been observed : 

1. To refuse all applications for dispensations to suspend or set aside any 
general law of the Order or by-law of any particular Lodge, upon the ground 
that no such power is vested in the Supreme [Grand] Master Workman. 

2. Not to grant application to confer the degrees at the same meeting upon 
an applicant unless the name of the applicant was given and the reasons for the 
request stated so that the propriety of granting the same might be properly con- 
sidered. 

S. M. IV. Rep. Pro. 8 th Ann. 'Sess. Sup. L., 1880,/. 185. 

3. The Grand Master Workman has no authority to grant a dispensation 
in conflict with law. 

It is his duty to enforce the law. 

Pro. G. L. N. V., 1879. 

Pro. G. L. IVis., 1879. 


170 


DISPENSATIONS. 


4. Dispensation cannot be given to receive application, elect and confer 
degrees at one and the same meeting. 

Pro. G. L. Maryland , N. J. and Del., 1884, p. 19. 

5. Dispensation to confer degrees can only be granted in specific cases, 
and with the name of the applicant stated in the dispensation. 

Pro. G. L. Maryland , N. J. and Del . , 1882,/. 19. 

Id., 1883, p. 17. 

6. The authority of the Grand Master Workman in granting dispensa- 
tions to confer degrees is exercised in special cases only. 

Pro. G. L. Minnesota , Feb., 1878, p. 43. 

7. A dispensation cannot be granted to hold a special meeting for the 
election of candidates. 

The Grand Master Workman has no such power. 

Pro. G. L. Md., Del. and N. J., 1884. 

See Degrees. 

8. Michigan. But prior to the setting apart of Michigan as a separate 
beneficiary jurisdiction the Grand Master Workman of that State granted gen- 
e al dispensations to confer all the degrees during a specified time. 

Pro. G. L. Mich., 1878 , p. 16. 

And this method was continued {Pro. G. L. Mich., 1880, p. 14) until a change of 
the law of that jurisdiction rendered dispensations unnecessary. 

§ 25 By-laws G. L. Mich. 

Pro. G. L. Mich., 1880, p. 15. 

And in that State all the degrees may be conferred by a two-thirds vote of the 
members present. 

9. A dispensation to confer more than one degree on a candidate at the 
same meeting may be granted by either the Grand Master Workman^ or his 
deputy, but there should be some good reason why the candidate should be thus 
hurried through. 

The name, date of meeting, and degrees to be conferred under dispensation 
should be stated in the request. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1879. 

10. When dispensations to confer degrees cannot be granted. Neither 
a D. D. G. M. W. nor the Grand Master Workman can grant a dispensation to 


DISPENSATIONS. 


171 


confer both degrees in one evening in an old Lodge, unless notice has been re- 
ceived from the Grand Recorder’s office that a beneficiary certificate will be 
granted the applicant. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1882, p. 14. 

11. Pennsylvania. A Lodge has not the right to fix the fee for dispensa- 
tion to confer degrees at one dollar; the G. L. having fixed such fee at fifty cents. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 160. 

In Pennsylvania, upon the petition of the Lodge to the D. D. G. M. W., a 
dispensation to confer both degrees on the same evening may be granted pro- 
viding the report [Med. Ex.] has been approved. 

The fee for such dispensation is fifty cents. 

Pro. G. L. Penna., 1883, p. 23. 

12. General dispensation not allowed. The Grand Master Workman has 
not the power to grant to a Lodge a dispensation to confer both degrees at one 
meeting upon all applicants for a given time. 

Each dispensation is granted upon the merits of each particular case ; to be 
determined when the dispensation is granted. 

Pro. G. L. Tex., 1882, p. 9. 

13. Dispensation not allowed. The G. M. W. has not power to grant a 
dispensation to a Subordinate Lodge to suspend its by-laws. 

Pro. G. L. of Tenn., 1878. 

14. Charter privileges cannot be extended by dispensation beyond the 
thirty days allowed by law. 

Pro. G. L. Md., N. J. and Del., 1883, p. 17. 

See Charter, par. 35. 

15. The G. M. W. has no power to grant a dispensation to admit a per- 
son over fifty years of age, nor to hold a petition for charter open sixty days 
after the institution of the Lodge. 

Pro . G. L. Kansas, 1881, p. go. 

Not to reduce fees. The Grand Master Workman has no power to 
grant dispensations to confer degrees for a less sum than that required by the 
constitution and laws. 

Pro. G. L. Wis., 1879. 

17. The Grand Master Workman cannot grant a dispensation to install as 
M. W. a member who has not served in some subordinate office. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1879, p. 1 8 1. 


I 

172 


DISPLAYS. 


18. No circular of any kind can be issued or circulated from one Subor- 
dinate to sister Lodges without the consent of the G. M. W. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 155. (9 th S. A. S., Pro. G. L.) 

See Circulars. 

Par. 1, 3. 

19. Time of election cannot be changed. The Grand Master Workman 
cannot, by dispensation or otherwise, change the time of election of officers of a 
Subordinate Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Tenn., 1878, p. 15. 

20. Dispensation to elect officers at another time than that fixed by law 
cannot be granted. 

See Election. 

21. Dispensations, forming Lodges. 

See Charter of Grand Lodges, p. 3. 

Supreme Master Workman. 

Grand Master Workman. 

Grand Lodges, how formed. 

New Lodges. 

22. Public displays and processions (except funeral processions) can take 
place only with the consent of the Supreme Lodge or the Grand Lodge, as the 
case may be, or the proper officer representing the authority of the same. 

Dig ., 1st Ed., par. 669. 

23. Dispensation to remove place of meeting. A Subordinate Lodge 
must get permission from the G. L. or G. M. W. to remove its place of meeting. 

The place of meeting must have the approval of the D. D. G. M. W., or a 
committee appointed by the G. M. W. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 204, p. 14. 

A Lodge has no right to appear in regalia in a public procession without 
permission from the G. M. W., or dispensation from the D. D. G. M. W. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 88. 

The Supreme Master Workman cannot authorize the admission of an 
applicant over fifty years of age. 

See Age, par. 4. 

DISPLAYS. 

Public. See Dispensation. 


s 






DISTRICTS. 


173 


DISPUTES AND GRIEVANCES. 

1. Any members Of the Lodge between whom may arise 
any disputes, difficulties or grievances, may specify the same to 
the presiding officer, in writing, who shall appoint a committee 
of three members who have attained the M. W. degree, whose 
duty it shall be to examine the parties, their proofs and witnesses, 
fairly and impartially, and report their decision to him ; he shall 
communicate the same to the parties concerned, when, should 
the dissatisfaction continue, the whole matter shall be brought 
before the Lodge, and undergo a regular form of trial ; provided , 
however, that a member having alleged a dispute, difficulty or 
grievance against another which shall be proved false or mali- 
cious, shall, for the first offense, be fined in a sum not less than 
three dollars, and for the second offense be suspended as a dan- 
gerous disturber of the peace and harmony of the Lodge, in 
accordance with the laws, rules and regulations of the Order. 

Art. XIV, Subord. L. Const., § I. 

2 . This section does not relate to charges brought against a member for an 
offense under the penal laws of the Order. 

It is a proceeding to reconcile differences between brethren, and not a prose- 
cution. 

The trial provided for in case of an unwarranted dispute appears to be that 
described in Laws 41, 42 and 43 of Gen. App. 

See Charges. 

DISTRICTS. 

1. In those jurisdictions where the limits of districts have been defined by 
law, they are generally co-extensive with counties, as in Pennsylvania, Nevada, 
etc. 

In New York they correspond generally with the “ Assembly District,” (elect- 
ing members to the lower house of the State Legislature), although these are 
sometimes subdivided, and in some cases, on the other hand, more than one of 
these political divisions is composed within the district. 

District, see Residence. 

District Deputy G. M. W., see Deputy Grand Master Workman, ante. 


174 


DUES 


DRAFTS. 

See Art. VIII, § i6, Sup. L. Const. 

See Relief Law, § 6, Art. IX, Sup. L. Const. 

Return. 

DRUNKENNESS. 

See Intoxicating Liquor. 

DUES. 

1. Each member of the Lodge shall pay into the funds 
thereof, as dues, such sums as shall be prescribed by the by-laws; 
which shall in no case be less than twenty-five cents per month, 
to commence with the date of his receiving the Master Work- 
man’s degree. 

Sub. L. Const., Art. XI, § i. 

2. Note . — The above restriction as to the minimum of dues applies only to 
Subordinate Lodges under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge. 
The right of Grand Lodges to fix such minimum at any amount they consider 
best has not been brought into question, and may be regarded as established by 
usage. 

Dig., ist Ed., par. 555. 

3. Note. — Time of commencement of dues. The Supreme Lodge, at its 
fifth annual session, approved a decision of the Supreme Master Workman, that 
** Junior Workman degree members are chargeable with and must pay dues from 
the date of initiation;” but at the next session adopted the new constitution for 
Subordinate Lodges, which provides that dues shall commence with the date of 
the member’s receiving the Master Workman degree. This changes the rule, of 
course, as to Subordinate Lodges under the immediate jurisdiction of the Su- 
preme Lodge, but leaves it as it stood before in the different Grand Jurisdictions — 
some of which provide that dues shall commence from date of initiation, and 
others from time of receiving the Master Workman degree. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 556. 

4. Non-payment of dues, penalties for.. Any member 
who neglects or refuses to pay the dues, as fixed by the by-laws 
of the Lodge, for the period of three months, shall not be en- 
titled to vote, and shall be disqualified from holding office. 

Sub. L. Const., Art, XI, § 2. 


DUES. 


175 


5. Note. — The above has been adopted as the law on the subject in all juris- 
dictions. 

Dig., 1st Ed , par. 558. 

6. Dues commence at initiation in the J. W. degree. 

Pro. G. L. Minnesota , Jan., 1877, P- 1 5 • 

7. Master Workman degree members on the roll are alone liable to dues. 

Pro. Sup. L ., 1880, p. 187. 

8. Dues begin, when. Members are not liable to assessment until they 
have received the [Master Workman] degree. 

Their dues begin from the date of receiving the J. W. degree. 

Pro. G. L. Ky., 1882, p. 10. 

9. When dues are apportioned. If dues are payable in advance the new 
member is liable at the time of becoming a member for the pro rata proportion 
which the unexpired time in the quarter bears to the whole quarter. If not pay- 
able in advance, then he must pay that sum at the close of the quarter. 

Pro. G. Z. Kansas, 1881, p. 90. 

10. When in arrears. When Lodge dues are payable quarterly in advance, 
a member failing to pay any part thereof is in arrears at the beginning of the 
quarter, and is not entitled to the P. W. 

Pro. G. L . Kansas, 2 d Sess., 1880, p. 10. 

11. When in arrears. Where the by-laws of a Lodge provide for the pay- 
ment of quarterly dues on the first day of the quarter, or within twenty days 
thereafter, a brother who fails within twenty days to pay the same is not entitled 
to benefits in case of sickness when the by-laws provide that none shall be paid 
to a brother in arrears. 

Pro. G, L. Iowa, 1879, p. 36. 

12. A brother is not in arrears for dues for the quarter ending March 31, 
until that quarter has expired. 

A brother who has not paid any dues is entitled to sick benefits paid by the 
Lodge if taken sick at any time before he was three months in arrears. 

A brother may be suspended at the first meeting of a quarter if he has not 
paid his dues for the previous quarter. 

Pro. G. L. Kansas, 1882, p. 10. 

13. When in arrears. Where the by-laws make dues payable in advance, 
i. e., at the commencement of a term, or within twenty days thereafter, the 


176 


DUES. 


member is in default at the expiration of such twenty days, and is liable to sus- 
pension from Lodge privileges. 

Pro. G. L. Iowa,.i^"](), pp. 75-94. 

14. Illinois. A member cannot be suspended for non-payment of dues until 

he is in arrears for the term of six months. So held where by-laws provided that 
dues must be paid at the first of the quarter, and not later than twenty days 
thereafter. * 

Pro . G. L. Ills ., 1880, p. 160. 

15. Dues, suspension for non-payment. A brother cannot be suspended 
for non-payment of dues until the last day of the six months has expired, and is 
not subject to the penalty for a three months’ suspension ( see Art. XI, Const, of 
Sub. L., under immediate jurisdiction of Sup. L.) until the last day of the quarter 
has expired; but the brother must pay his dues to the Financier before the expira- 
tion of the last day. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1884, p. 666. 

16. Nevada. Dues shall be construed to include any indebtedness to the 
Lodge other than the beneficiary fund. 

Sub. L. Const., Nevada , Art. XII, § 3. 

17. California. “ Dues shall be construed to include any indebtedness other 
than to the beneficiary fund.” 

Art. XII, § 3, Const. Sub. L. Cal. 

Under* the above law, where a Lodge by its by-laws provided for an assess- 
ment of fifty cents upon each member on the death of a member of the Lodge, 
and further provided that the sum of fifty cents be credited each member attend- 
ing the funeral; and where, on the occasion of the funeral of a deceased brother 
a member was absent from the city, for which reason a motion was made to remit 
his fine, and a point of order was raised that there was no fine, and an assessment 
could hot be remitted, the M. W. held the point not well taken, but the Lodge over- 
ruled his decision. On appeal to the Grand Lodge, held such assessments were 
dues; that the Lodge had power to remit the dues if it sees fit. 

The ruling of the Master Workman was sustained, and the action of the Lodge 
reversed. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1883, p. no. 

18. Any member who neglects or refuses to pay the dues, 
as fixed by the by-laws of the Lodge, for the period of three 
months, shall not be entitled to vote, and shall be disqualified 


DUES. 


177 


from holding office. And if neglecting or refusing to pay f:.>r 
the period of six months, he shall be reported to the Lodge by 
the Financier, and the Master Workman shall, unless otherwise 
directed by the Lodge, thereupon declare such member sus- 
pended from the Order. 

§ 2, Art. XI, Sub. L. Const. 

19. The term “ shall thereupon declare,” seems to contemplate immedi- 
ate action, and it would be dangerous to give any other construction to the ex- 
pression “unless otherwise directed by the Lodge,” than that such direction 
should be given before the declaration of suspension is made. 

The fact of suspension is the declaration of the Master Workman acting min- 
isterially under specific law, and not the act of the Lodge. A member once sus- 
pended for non-payment of dues can only be reinstated upon conforming to the 
provisions of § 4, Art. XII, Sub. L. Cal. (§3, Art. XI, Sub. L . Const.) The 
declaration of the M. W. cannot be rescinded. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1882 , p. 100. 

20. When a brother is six months in arrears for dues it is not necessary 
for the Lodge to declare him suspended. The law suspends him, and all the 
Lodge has to do is to make a record of the fact of suspension and report the 
case to the Grand Recorder, as required in Art. XIII, § 12, Const. G. L. Cal. 
(§ 12, Art. VIII, Sup. L. Const. — Ben. Art.) 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1880, p. 30. 

21. It is the duty of the Master Workman to declare a brother suspended 
who is six months in arrears for dues, unless the Lodge, by vote, extend the 
time. If the time is extended he cannot be suspended. 

See Pro. G. L. Pa., 1883 ,p. 25, (decision 58, 1st clause.) 

If the Lodge considers such a case a charitable object, and desires to pay his 
dues for a specified time, an order on the general fund should be drawn. 

{See General Fund, By-Laws, etc.) 

Pro. G. L. Penna., 1883 , p. 25, (decision 58, 2d clause.) 

22. Non-payment of dues, disqualification. A brother }n arrears for 
dues for a period of three months is not entitled to vote nor to hold office, but 
may speak. A ball ballot is a vote. 

See Pa. Rev. Decisions , p. 7. (Balloting and Voting.) 

23. Illinois. Members three months in arrears for dues are not entitled to 
password. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1880 ,p. 169. 

12 


178 


DUES. 


24. A by-law granting rebate of dues for regular attendance is constitu- 
tional. 

See By-Laws. 

25. Dues on application for clearance card. 

See Clearance Card. 

26. Any member who has been suspended from all the 
benefits and privileges of the Order by reason of non-payment 
of dues or arrearages of beneficiary fund, applying to be rein- 
stated, shall pay the amount he was in arrears at the date of his 
suspension, and shall conform to all the requirements of Section 
13 of the Article on beneficiary fund. He shall apply in writ- 
ing to be reinstated, which application shall be referred to a 
committee of three, whose duty it shall be to investigate his 
character and fitness for membership, and report their opinion 
in writing, at a subsequent meeting of the Lodge, whereupon a 
ballot shall be taken under the same rules and restrictions as 
upon the first application for membership. If rejected, the 
aforesaid amount of arrearages shall be returned. 

§ 3, Art. XI, Const. Sub . L. 

27. Reinstatement. Any member who has been indefinitely 
suspended or expelled by the Lodge (except for non-payment of 
dues and assessments) shall not be restored to membership ex- 
cept by permission from the Supreme Lodge; or, in case the 
Supreme Lodge is not in session, by permission of the Supreme 
Master Workman. He shall also comply with all the require- 
ments of Section 3, Article XI of this constitution. 

§ 4, Art. XI, Const. Sub. L. 

28. Note. — See Art. VIII, § 13, as to reinstatement of members suspended 
for dues, and decisions thereunder. 

Reinstatement. 

29. A Lodge cannot receive beneficiary assessments from a brother who is 
in a state of suspension, until he has paid up his dues, and has thereby been re- 
instated. (8th A. S., G. L. Pa.) 

Rev . Dec., no. 


DUTIES OF OFFICERS. 


179 


30 A brother who is in arrears over six months for dues, and whose bene- 
ficiary assessments are paid up to date, no action having been taken by the 
Lodge in his case as to suspension, his certificate is good in law, the brother not 
having been declared suspended from the Order as the law requires. (9th S. A. 
S., G. L. Pa.) 

Pa. Rev. Dec., 144. 

31 Dues of Subordinate Lodges under immediate jurisdiction of Su- 
preme Lodge. Subordinate Lodges under the immediate jurisdiction of the 
Supreme Lodge are required to pay twenty-five cents per member as dues. 

Art. XVI, Const . Sub. L . 

Dues to Grand Lodge. See Per Capita Tax. 

32. Law. The constitution of a charitable association pro- 
vided that any person could apply for admission by paying an 
admittance fee, and when declared elected could, after signing 
the constitution, vote at all meetings, and be eligible to office, 
and that each member should pay a certain amount yearly to 
the corporation. It was held that signing the constitution was 
not a prerequisite to membership; and that an action would lie 
against a member who had not signed, for his yearly dues. The 
benefit of membership affords sufficient consideration, so long 
as it continues, for the promise to pay yearly dues implied from 
joining the association. 

United Hebrew Benevolent Association, vs. Benshimol, 130 Mass., 325. 

DUTIES OF OFFICERS. 

1 For the duty of any officer, see title of the particular officer. 


E. 

ELECTIONS, SUPREME LODGE. 

1. All the officers of the Supreme Lodge (except the trustees, v 
one of whom shall be elected each year to serve for three years), 
shall be chosen at each annual meeting by a majority of the 
votes cast, but no vote shall be counted which may be given for 
any one not in nomination. When only one nomination shall 

be made for an office, the Supreme Lodge may dispense with 
the ballot and elect by acclamation. 

Art. IV, § 2, Sup . L . Const. 

2. Reports to be made before election of officers. The election of officers 
of the Supreme Lodge shall not take place until all officers required to make 
reports to the Lodge have done so, and said reports have been referred to appro- 
priate committees, and by them reported upon to the Lodge. 

Pro. 2 d Ann. Sess. S. Z., p. 63. 

3. Salaries to be fixed before election. Officers of the Supreme Lodge to 
whom emoluments are paid shall not be elected until the amount of salary for 
such office is first named. 

Pro. *]th Ann. Sess. S. L., p. 115. 

ELECTION OF OFFICERS IN GRAND LODGES. 

4. The few provisions relating to Grand Lodge elections are as follows, 
beginning at the organization of a Grand Lodge. 

See Grand Lodge, how formed. 

5. A Grand Lodge is organized by electing a Past Grand 
Master Workman, a Grand Master Workman, a Grand Fore- 
man, a Grand Overseer, a Grand Recorder, a Grand Receiver, 
a Grand Guide, and a Grand Watchman, who shall serve until 
the next regular election; at which time and at each succeeding 
regular election thereafter, said officers shall be elected to serve 
for the term of one year, provided Grand Lodges which hold 
biennial sessions may elect their officers to serve for the term 
of two years. 


ELECTIONS, SUBORDINATE LODGE. 


181 


At the institution of a Grand Lodge, three trustees may be 
elected, to serve for such term as the Grand Lodge shall de- 
termine; and three representatives to the Supreme Lodge are 
required to be elected, in accordance with the Supreme Lodge 
constitution, at the same time. 

See Laws 5, 6, and 7, App. to Grand Lodges. 

See Representatives to the Supreme Lodge. 

6. As to election of representatives to participate in the formation of a 
Grand Lodge. 

See Grand Lodges, how formed. 

7. Elective officers of Grand Lodge may have the right to 
speak and vote conferred on them. 

L. II, App. to Grand Lodge. 

See Officers, and various titles of office. 

ELECTIONS, SUBORDINATE LODGE. 

8. When an election is held for any officer or officers, the 
presiding officer shall act as judge, and shall appoint two mem- 
bers who have received the Master Workman’s degree to act as 
tellers, who shall assist in conducting the election in a just and 
impartial manner; they shall keep a register of all votes polled, 
and should it appear that there have been more votes polled 
than there are legally qualified voters present, the presiding 
officer shall declare the ballot illegal and void, and direct an- 
other ballot to be taken immediately; each member voting shall 
hand his ticket to the teller, giving his name, and the teller shall 
deposit it in the poll. 

Art. VIII, § 1, Sub. L. Const. 

9. One member may cast vote for the Lodge. Usage has established that 
a Master Workman degree member may be elected viva voce by the Lodge to 
cast the vote thereof for any office for which there is but one candidate; each 
officer must be elected by a separate ballot, and announced by the presiding 
officer as having received a majority of all the votes cast for the office. 


182 


ELECTIONS, SUBORDINATE LODGE. 


10. A majority of all the votes necessary to elect. In case of a tie vote 
on the election of officers of a Lodge, a new ballot must be held. A candidate 
must have a majority of all the votes cast before he can be declared elected. — 
Ibid., par. 391. 

11. Master Workman has the right to vote. The Master Workman has 
the right to vote in the election of officers. — Ibid., par. 392. 

In case there are more than two candidates for the same office, 
neither of whom has received a majority of all the valid votes 
cast for that office, the candidate who received the lowest num- 
ber of votes shall be withdrawn, and another ballot taken, con- 
tinuing in like manner until an election is had. The Financier 
shall furnish the tellers with a list of all members in good stand- 
ing in the Lodge who are entitled to vote. 

Art. VIII, § 2, Sub. L. Const. 

See Nominations. 

12. Upon a failure to elect officers at the time required by general laws, 
such officers may be elected and installed at a subsequent meeting. 

Pro. G. L. Ohio,\ 1883. 

See Officers. 

13. A Lodge meeting semi-monthly cannot elect its officers semi-annually. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1882, p. 370. 

See Term of Office. 

14. The G. M. W. cannot change the night of election by dispensation. 

A Lodge can meet, adjourn to some other night, and elect, and the same bear 

date as of the regular meeting night. 

Pro. Tenn. G. L., 1878, p. 15. 

15. The Grand Master Workman has no power to grant a dispensation 
to a Subordinate Lodge to elect officers at any other time than that fixed by the 
constitution. 

A Subordinate Lodge failing to elect at the time fixed by law, the old officers 
hold over. 

Pro. G. L. Or. and Wash., 1882, p. 46. 

See Dispensation. 


ELECTIONS, SUBORDINATE LODGE. 


183 


16. "When only one candidate is in nomination the Lodge may direct any 
brother to cast the vote of the Lodge for such candidate, or the Master Work- 
man may declare him elected by consent. 

Pro. Sup. Z. , 12 th Ann. Sess., 1884. 

17. Balloting, when necessary. When only one nomination shall have 
been made for an office, the Grand Lodge may dispense with a ballot and elect 
by acclamation. 

Art. IV, § 1, Const. G. L. Mo. 

Art. Ill, §4, Const. G. L. Mich. 

No vote shall be counted which may be given for any one not in nomination. — 
Ibid. 

% 

18. Ontario. In Grand Lodge when only one person is in nomination for 
an office, the election may be made by acclamation. 

Const. G. L. Ontario , Art. Ill, §4. 

19. The election Of officers shall take place with their own 
consent. 

Art. VI, § 1, Const, of Sub. L. 

20. Cancellation of votes. Votes cast for members who 
have not been duly nominated shall be cancelled by the tellers. 

Art. VII, § 2, Sub. L. Const. 

21. Duty of Master Workman on tie. In an election of officers where 
the vote is taken, the ballot closed, the vote counted, and found to be a tie, the 
Master Workman should order a new ballot. He has no right to the casting vote. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1883, p. 490. 

22. Installation of officer present when elected. A brother being present 
was nominated for an office; at the next meeting, when elected, he was absent. 
He can, notwithstanding, be installed. 

Pro. G. L. Illinois , 1880, p. 164. 

23. Majority. A ballot was taken upon the election of Inside Watchman, 
upon which nine votes were cast, of which one candidate received four, each 
of three other candidates one, and blank two. 

The M. W. declared the candidate receiving four votes elected, and the Sub- 
ordinate Lodge affirmed the decision of the chair. 


184 ELIGIBILITY TO OFFICE IN SUBORDINATE LODGE. 


On appeal to the Grand Lodge this decision was reversed, for the reason that 
a majority of votes is necessary to elect, and neither candidate having received 
a majority, there is no election. 

Pro . G. L. Cal., 1883, p. no. 

24. “ Nickname.” A brother was declared elected to an office by a majority 
of one vote, and was regularly installed therein. It was afterward discovered 
that two of the ballots counted in his favor bore a nickname by which he was 
commonly known, instead of his proper name. 

Held the election was legal and could not be set aside. 

Pro. S. A. S. G. L. Ky., 1874,/. 8. 

25. After a ballot, when polls are declared closed, and the ballots counted, 
though the result is not declared, a member who has not voted cannot then 
vote. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1879,/. 181. 

ELIGIBILITY TO OFFICE IN SUPREME LODGE. 

1. Any Past Grand Master Workman, in good stand- 
ing, who is a member of a Grand Lodge, shall be eligible to any 
office in the Supreme Lodge. 

Art. II, § 1, Sup. L. Const. 

2. Eligibility to office of Deputy Supreme Master Workman. 

See That Title. 

ELIGIBILITY TO OFFICE IN GRAND LODGE. 

3. Past Master Workman degree members in good stand- 
ing in the Order, although not representatives from Subordinate 
Lodges, are eligible to office in the Grand Lodge of which they 
are members. 

L. 15, App. to Grand Lodges. 

Eligibility to office of Deputy. 

See Deputy Grand Master Workman. 

ELIGIBILITY TO OFFICE IN SUBORDINATE LODGE. 

Eligibility to office of Master Workman. 

See Master Workman. 

Eligibility to Membership. 

See Members and Membership, Qualifications of. 


EXPELLED MEMBERS, 


185 


EMBLEM OF THE ORDER. 

I. The combination of the Anchor, Shield and Sun's Rays is adopted as 
the Emblem of the Order. No other is to be used upon regalia, or upon printed 
matter (excepting seals), and it is to be recognized as the badge of the Order, but 
without prejudice to the right to use the emblems on the regalia now in use. 

Pro. Sup. L., 7 th Ann. Sess.,pp. 127, 128. 

See Badge. 

See Regalia. 

Emblem of Degree of Honor. 

See Degree of Honor, par. 20. 

EMERGENCY. 

See Relief Law. 

ENFORCEMENT OF ASSESSMENTS. 

See Assessments. 

ENTERTAINMENT. 

1. A brother has no right to give any entertainment in the name of a 
Lodge of this Order. 

Pro. G. L. 111 ., 1883,^. 488. 

2. Note. — The words “ unless the Lodge, by vote, authorize the same " were 
stricken from the above decision by the Grand Lodge. Id., p. 627. 

EXAMINATION. 

See Medical Examinations. 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE— ONTARIO. 

See Committees of Grand Lodge. 

EXIGENCY. 

See Relief Law. 

EXPELLED MEMBERS. 

Report of. See title Supreme Recorder. Art. VIII, § 19. 

List of. See Black Book. 

Reinstatement of. See title Reinstatement. 

I. An expelled member has no right to a seat in the Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Kansas , 1884,/. 12. 


186 


EXPELLED MEMBERS. 


2. A member who has been expelled from the Order should be expelled 
from the Lodge, although in possession of the semi-annual password. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1 88 1 ,/. 267. 

3. Note. — It is presumed that the above is intended to prohibit an expelled 
member from visiting the Lodge of which he had been a member. 

4. The courts will not, by mandamus, interfere with the 
right of a Lodge of Odd Fellows to expel members, and it is 
immaterial that the Lodge charter does not, in terms, give such 
power to the Lodge. 

State vs. Odd Fellows Grand Lodge, 8 Mo. Appeals. 

5. Without an express power in the charter, a corporator 
cannot be disfranchised unless he has been guilty of some of- 
fense which either affects the interests or good government of 
the corporation, or is indictable by the law of the land, but the 
offense of vilifying a member, or a private quarrel, is totally 
unconnected with the affairs of the society, and is therefore 
void. 

Commonwealth vs. St. Patrick’s Benevolent Society, 2 Binney , 441. 

But in People vs. Young Men’s F. M. Benev. Soc., 65, Barb., 
357, Judge Ingraham said that the society are to judge as to 
the sufficiency of the charges ; that the judge could not deter- 
mine that question. 

The articles of a corporation authorized the expulsion of a 
member for being concerned in scandalous or improper proceed- 
ings which might injure the reputation of the society, and it 
was held to be good cause of expulsion that a member claiming 
relief from the society had altered a physician’s bill from four 
dollars to forty, and had presented that bill to the corporation 
as the ground of his claim. 

Commonwealth vs. Philanthropic Society, 5 Binney , 486. 

6. A social Club has no power to expel a member because 
he refuses to resign. 

Evans vs. Phila. Club, 3 Luzerne Legal Obs. y 205. 


EXPELLED MEMBERS. 


187 


The power to disfranchise a member of a corporation must 
in general be conferred by statute, and is never sustained as an 
incidental power except on conviction of the member in a court 
of justice for an infamous offense, and for the commission of 
some act against the society which tends to its destruction or 
injury. Though the power to make by-laws is incidental to 
corporations, and is generally expressly conferred by statute, 
yet by-laws which vest in a majority the power of expulsion for 
minor offenses are, in so far, void, and expulsions made under 
them will not be sustained. 

But in joint-stock companies, "or in any corporation owning 
property, no power of expulsion can be exercised unless ex- 
pressly conferred by the charter. Where two members of a 
private corporation or club were sitting together in conversa- 
tion in the bar-room of the club-house, a third came in and used 
insulting language, understood by one of the two to be applied 
to himself, who thereupon struck the offender ; the act was 
held not such as would justify his expulsion from the club. 

Evans vs. Phila. Club, 50 Penn., 107. 

Decided by a divided court. 

7. The articles, conditions and objects of an association, 
incorporated by the Supreme Court, are their charter, and have 
the same force and effect as if specifically granted by the Legis- 
lature. The charter cannot be questioned collaterally. In such 
charter, where the power of expulsion is conferred, and a mem- 
ber, in accordance with its requirements, has signed the articles, 
he is bound by them, and the fitness of the object, etc., is not 
a subject of judicial inquiry. When such member has been 
regularly tried and expelled, the sentence of the society, acting 
judicially, cannot be inquired into collaterally, nor can the mer- 
its of the expulsion be re-examined. Where one of the objects 
of the association was to provide assistance for sick members, 
to feign sickness or claim relief after recovery is subversive of 
the fundamental objects of the association, an act which tends 


188 


EXPELLED MEMBERS. 


to its destruction, and is within the power of expulsion of the 
association. 

But, it seems, a trial upon Sunday, even by Jews, would not 
be regular and valid. 

Society for Visitation of the Sick vs. Commonwealth, ex rel. Meyer , 52 
Penn., 125. 

As to the last, see to the contrary, 

People vs. Young Men’s Benev. Soc., 65 Barb., 357. 

S. In case Of the disfranchisement of a member of a cor- 
poration, the courts entertain jurisdiction to restore him by 
mandamus, where the cause is insufficient, or the proceedings 
irregular, but they will not inquire into the merits of what has 
passed in a regular course of proceedings. The return must 
distinctly set forth all the facts of a motion, that the court may 
judge of its sufficiency, both as to the cause and the course of 
proceedings. Where the charter provided that if any member 
attempted a fraud on the society or its treasury, in any manner 
whatever, or shall defame or injure the same in anywise, a re- 
turn merely stating that the relator was charged with “having 
assisted, as president of the society, in defrauding the society 
out of the sum of fifty cents,” without showing in what man- 
ner, or when, or where he had assisted in defrauding the 
society, or that he had designedly assisted in the alleged fraud, 
is insufficient; so a charge of “defaming and injuring the so- 
ciety in public taverns ” is equally vague in its character. 

It is irregular to expel a member on the report of a committee 
of investigation without giving him an opportunity to be heard 
before the society at large. The return must show that the re- 
lator had notice to appear and defend himself; thatan assembly 
of the proper persons was duly held, the proceedings before 
them, a conviction of the offense, and an actual motion by them. 
By appearing before the committee the relator did not waive 
his right to be tried before the society. 

Where the charter provided that on the conviction of a mem- 
ber of certain charges, on the deposition of at least two credit- 


EXPELLED MEMBERS. 


189 


able witnesses, the return to a mandamus to restore such mem- 
ber must state that at least two witnesses were heard in support 
of the charge, and that the same was either proved or confessed. 

Commonwealth ex rel. Fischer vs. German Society, 15 Penn., 251. 

Where the charter provided that “ should any member neglect 
to pay his arrearages (of contribution) for three months, he 
shall be expelled,” an expulsion without notice to the delinquent 
member, and without a vote of the society, is illegal. But if 
he is present when the subject is taken up, and willing to enter 
into the inquiry immediately, there is no occasion for further 
notice. 

Commonwealth vs. Pennsylvania Beneficial Society, 2 Serg. and Rawle , 
141; Diligent Fire Co. vs. Commonwealth, 75 Pa., 291. 

If the resolution for expulsion is adopted by a less number 
than that required by the by-laws, this amounts to an acquittal, 
and if the society afterwards pass a vote of expulsion by a con- 
stitutional majority, without any new accusation or further 
hearing, it will be void. 

Commonwealth vs. Guardians of the Poor, 6 Serg. and Rawle, 469. 

9. Expulsion. A member of a masonic lodge or other asso- 
ciation, not organized for pecuniary profit, cannot, on his expul- 
sion for cause, recover the initiation fees voluntarily paid by 
him, when no fraud or imposition was practiced on him. His 
expulsion does not work a rescission of the contract under 
which such fees are paid. 

Robinson vs. Yates City Lodge, 86 III., 598. 

10. In an action by an expelled member to recover benefits, 
the sentence of the society, acting in a judicial capacity, and 
with undoubted jurisdiction of the subject matter, cannot be 
questioned collaterally while it remains unreversed by superior 
authority. If a member has been expelled irregularly, he has 
a remedy by mandamus to restore him, but neither by man- 
damus nor action can* the merits of his expulsion be re-exam- 


190 


EXPELLED MEMBERS. 


ined. He stands convicted by the sentence of a tribunal of his 
own choice, which, like an award of arbitrators, concludes him. 

A corporator may surrender, by consent, a matter of common 
right, which he could not be deprived of by a by-law that had 
not received his assent. Therefore, a by-law precluding re- 
course to remedies beyond the corporate jurisdiction is not 
void, especially if in accordance with the charter. 

Black and White Smith’s-Society vs. Vandyke, 2 Whart 390. 

The charter provided that if any member be found breaking 
the rules of the society, he should be served with a notice to 
attend and answer at the next stated meeting, after which a 
decision should be made by ballot, and if two-thirds consider 
him guilty, he should be dealt with agreeably to the by-laws. 
The by-laws provided that no member shall be entitled to re- 
ceive any benefit from the society whose complaints are the re- 
sult of intoxication. A member, having been expelled by the 
requisite majority, on the ground of intoxication, after due 
notice, brought an action to recover the allowances granted to 
disabled members ; held that the regularity of the proceedings 
to expel him could not be inquired into in such action, and that 
the court had no jurisdiction to compel payment of the allow- 
ance. Ibid. 

Where a charter of a society provides for an offense, directs 
the mode of proceeding, and authorizes the society, on convic- 
tion of a member, to expel him, this expulsion, if the proceed- 
ings are not irregular, is conclusive on the merits, and cannot 
be inquired into collaterally by mandamus, action, or any other 
mode. The courts entertain a jurisdiction to preserve the tri- 
bunals in the line of order, and to correct abuses, but they do 
not inquire into the merits of what has prised in rent judicatum 
in a regular course of proceedings. 

Commonwealth ex rel. Bryan vs. Pike Beneficial Society, 8 Watts and 
Serg., 247. 


EXTINCT LODGES. 


191 


EXPULSION. 

See Charges, Offenses, Trials, ExpeleSd Members, ante. 

• ■ • \ 

EXTENSION OF THE ORDER. 

See Objects of the Order. 

EXTINCT LODGES. 

See Delinquent and Defunct Lodges. 




F 


FEES. 

1. For degree fees in general, see Degrees, Subdivision Fees, ante. 

2. The application fee is not less than three dollars. 

Art. II, § 2, Const. Sub. Z. 

3. In Subordinate Lodges under the immediate jurisdiction 
of the Supreme Lodge, the initiation and degree fees together 
shall not be less than nine dollars. 

Art. IV, § 1, Const. Sub. Z. 

4. In other jurisdictions these fees may be reduced by 
Grand Lodge to five dollars, not including the medical examina- 
tion certificate and advance beneficiary assessment, which see. 

Z. 11 of General Application. 

5. Fee on deposit of clearance card is not less than two 
dollars in new Lodge. 

Law 3 of General Application. 

6. And is not less than one dollar in other Lodges. 

L. 20 of Gen. App . 

7. Fee on granting clearance card, or for Grand or Supreme Lodge card. 

See Clearance Card, par. 33, etc. 

8. Fee on granting final card. 

See Final Card. 

9. The fee for beneficiary certificate is one dollar. 

Art. VIII, § 3, Sup. L. Const. 

10. But this may be reduced by Grand Lodges. — Ibid. 

11. The Supreme Medical Examiner’s fee is fifty cents for each applicant 
for membership in the Subordinate Lodges under the immediate jurisdiction of 
the Supreme Lodge. 

12. The fees of Grand Medical Examiners are fixed by the respective Grand 
Lodges. 


FINAL CARD 


193 


13. Some Grand Lodges also fix the fee of the Subordinate Lodge Medical 
Examiner. 

Among the jurisdictions which have done this is California, which directs the 
payment by the Subordinate Lodge of the sum of two dollars for each exam- 
ination. 

In Minnesota the application fee is five dollars, one dollar of which is for the 
local Medical Examiner’s fee. 

14. Charter fee of Subordinate Lodges under the immediate jurisdiction of 
the Supreme Lodge is one hundred dollars. Under the jurisdiction of a Grand 
Lodge it cannot be less than fifty dollars. It is usually fixed by Grand Lodges 
in connection with the supplies necessary for Lodges at institution, and, in most 
cases, includes under the name of charter fee, not only the charter, but the sup- 
plies and services of the instituting officer. 

FINAL CARD. 

1. Withdrawal from the Order. Any member in good 
standing may sever his connection with the Order by paying all 
dues, fines, and assessments charged against him, surrendering 
his beneficiary certificate in writing, together with all rights, 
benefits, and privileges that he may have acquired by virtue of 
his membership in the Order, when a final card shall be issued 
to him without the payment of any fee for such final card. 

Law 24 of Gen . App. (as amended 1884.) 

2. Renewal Of membership. When a person who has sev- 
ered his connection with the Order, and had issued to him a 
final card, desires to renew his connections, his application for 
renewal shall be accompanied by his final card, or he shall pre- 
sent satisfactory proof of its loss. 

Law 25 of Gen. App. 

3. Any member holding* a final card, desiring readmission 
to the Order, shall make application in the same manner and 
form as that prescribed for admission to membership, and shall 
comply with all the conditions necessary thereto, except that 
he shall be exempt from the payment of initiation and degree 
fees, but shall pay the usual fee required of members admitted 
by card. 

§ 13, Art. VIII, Sup. L. Const. 

13 


194 


FINAL CARD. 


4. A brother is compelled to disclose his reason for desiring a [final] card; 
if he pays all dues, fines and assessments against him, he is legally entitled to 
his card. 

Pro . G. L. Ills., 1881, p. 268. 

Note. — The last clause of the foregoing decision was, undoubtedly, intended 
to be construed in connection with the requirement that the applicant shall be in 
“ good standing.” 

5. Withdrawal. When a member, who is clear of charges, severs his con- 
nection with a Lodge by written resignation, all liability of the Order to him or 
his heirs, or by him to the Order, ceases on the date of the receipt of such 
resignation. 

No person can be compelled to remain in the Order, except when charges are 
pending. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1882, p. 14. 

. 

6. Rebate of dues on withdrawal. A brother takes a final card; his dues 
were paid in advance of the date of his withdrawal. 

Such advance payment of dues should be returned. 

Ohio G. L., 1879, p. 10. 

7. No repayment of advance assessment. A brother taking a withdrawal 
card (final) is not entitled to receive back the dollar paid to the beneficiary fund 
on receiving the M. W. degree. 

Advance Beneficiary Assessment. 

Ohio G. Z., 1879, p. 10. 

8. Not granted while assessment unpaid. A withdrawal [final] card 
cannot be granted when an assessment remains unpaid by the applicant. 

Pro. G. L. Maryland , New Jersey and Del., 1883, p. 17. 

9. Final card. A person gaining admission to the Order illegally shall be 
compelled to withdraw. 

His Lodge may grant him a card setting forth the fact of his withdrawal, with 
the reason therefor, or it may expel him. 

§ 4, Art. I, Laws G. L. Nevada. 

10. Note. — Instances have occurred where final cards have been given to 
persons against whom charges were then pending. 

It is submitted, however, that the practice is irregular, and to be condemned, 
since the final card may serve the “ well-beloved ” (see final card), though crimi- 


FINAL CARD. 


195 


nal, brother as a recommendation or certificate of good character to any other 
Lodge he may subsequently wish to join. 

See Laws 24 and 25 of Gen. App. 

Art VIII, § 13, Const. Sup. L. 

11. What constitutes withdrawal from the Order. Where a Master 
Workman in the middle of his term resigns the chair, and also tenders his 
resignation of all the rights and benefits of the organization, paying'all dues and 
assessments, but taking no card, and after being out of the Order eighteen 
months desires to renew his membership in the Lodge, he must comply with the 
provisions of § 13, Art. IX, G. L. Const. , [§ 13, Art. VIII, Sup. L. Const . Ben. 
Art.] 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1883, p. 628. 

12 A brother applies verbally for a final card, which the Lodge grants. 
Before it is made out, however, the member withdraws his application for the 
card and refuses to accept it when issued. 

Held under Law 24 of Gen. App., that the status of the member has not been 
affected by either his application for a final card, or the action of the Lodge 
granting the same, both being irregular and informal. 

Pro. G. L. N. V., 1879. 

13. Illinois. The following clause is added at the end of L. 24 of Gen. Ap- 
plication : 

On the issue of final card the member’s “beneficiary certificate shall be de- 
clared annulled, and so reported to the Grand Recorder from the date of issue of 
such final card.” 

Art. XIV, §9, Sub. L. Const, of Illinois. 

14 To reconsider a vote by which a final card was granted would be con- 
trary to all law, rules and regulations. 

Pro. G. L. Minn., 1878, p. 47. 

15. Renewal of membership. A brother holding a “resignation certifi- 
cate” [final card], wishing to renew his connection with the Order, comes in 
under the existing laws at the time he makes his application. If over fifty years 
of age his application cannot be entertained. (6th A. S., Pa ) 

Penna. Rev. Dec., (60.) 

16. Renewal of membership. A brother, having taken his resignation cer- 
tificate [final card], thereby entirely severing his connection with the Order, 
applying for membership, must pay the same amount as though he had never 


196 


FINES. 


belonged to the Order, and with his application for membership he must present 
his beneficiary certificate and resignation certificate, or sworn proof of their loss, 
and, if admitted, he must get a new beneficiary certificate. (8th A. S., p. 40.) 

Penna. Rev. Dec., (1 13.) 

17. Reconsideration. A vote by which a “dismissal certificate” [final 
card] is granted cannot be reconsidered or rescinded. 

A brother wishing to regain membership must comply with L. 25, Gen. App. 

■ 

Penna. Rev. Dec., p. 7. 

Final card. See Appeal. 

FINES. 

1. Specific fines are provided for certain infractions of the law, but in a lim- 
ited number of cases. 

The following are the only fines, the amount of which is regulated by the law 
governing Lodges under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge. 

2. Fine for neglect of duty to sick members. Any mem- 
ber failing to attend a sick or disabled member, when notified 
by the Master Workman to do so, shall be fined a sum not less 
than one dollar. 

Sub. L. Const,, Art. X, § 12. 

3. * Note. — The above provision, although only applicable to Subordinate 
Lodges under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge, has been sub- 
stantially incorporated in the Subordinate Lodge constitutions in nearly all the 
jurisdictions. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 560. 

4. A member having* alleged a dispute, difficulty or griev- 
ance against another, which shall be proved f.alse or malicious, 
shall, for the first offense, be fined in a sum not less than three 
dollars. 

Part of Art. XIV, Sub. L. Const . 

5. In addition to these, fines may be, and are frequently made the penalty 
under Subordinate Lodge by-laws, for various minor offenses against Lodge law 
or neglect of duty. 

See By-Laws, Trial, etc. 


n » i« 


FINANCIERS. 


197 


6. A Lodge has the right, by vote, to remit a fine imposed under the by- 
laws if they wish; and a motion to remit was properly held in order. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1883, p. 488. 

7. When by-laws provide a fine for absence, failure to have reports ready, 
failure to attend a sick brother, to be present at a funeral, etc., it is not neces- 
sary to put the delinquent on trial, prefer charges, etc. 

The fine can be imposed, and the Lodge, at its option, can affix the penalty. 

Pro. G. L . Cal . , 1883, p. 13. 

FINANCIERS. 

1. The Financier shall keep a full and correct account be- 
tween the Lodge and each member; receive all moneys for the 
Lodge, and pay the same to the Receiver before the close of 
each meeting, taking his receipt therefor; he shall notify all 
members in arrears to the amount of three months’ dues, and 
when a member is in arrears to the amount of six months’ dues 
he shall notify the Master Workman of the fact; he shall, at the 
time of election of officers, furnish the Master Workman with a 
list of members of the Lodge in good standing and entitled to 
vote; he shall make out the semi-annual returns of the finances 
of the Lodge; he shall make out the report for the semi-annual 
tax due by the Lodge to the Supreme Lodge; he shall perform 
such duties as are required of him in the article on beneficiary 
fund, and at the end of each term he shall furnish the Recorder 
with a list of all members and their standing in the Lodge, and 
perform such other duties as are required by the laws, rules and 
regulations of the Order. He shall give bond in such sum as 
the Lodge may deem necessary, for the faithful performance of 
his duties. 

Art. X, § 7, Sub. L. Const. 

2. Note . — Except as to keeping accounts with the members, and the duties 
prescribed by the beneficiary laws of the Order, Grand Lodges may add to or 
vary the duties above enumerated for the Financier. 

3. Note . — Financier, duties of — beneficiary fund to be kept separate. The 
beneficiary fund is, by the laws of the Order, to be kept separate and distinct 


198 


FINANCIERS. 


from any other fund. It is, therefore, the duty of the Financier to take from the 
Receiver separate receipts for beneficiary funds and general funds, and in all 
respects to keep the accounts of said funds separate and apart from each other. 

Dig . , 1 st Ed . , par. 446. 

4. Since the duties of Financier are of the highest importance in connec- 
tion with the beneficiary law, some of the main provisions of the Supreme Lodge 
constitution with reference to that subject are repeated here. 

But careful reference should likewise be made to the specific titles 

Assessments, Beneficiary Law, Certificates, Suspension, Rein- 
statement, etc. 

5. Financier, duties of— Assessment notices. When no- 
tice of an assessment has been received by a Subordinate Lodge, 
it shall be the duty of the Financier to send out to the members 
written or printed notices of assessment, not later than the 8th 
day of the month in which the notice was issued by the Supreme 
(or Grand) Recorder. 

See Sup. L Const., Art. VIII, §8. 

6. The Financier of each Subordinate Lodge shall keep a 
book, wherein all assessments of the beneficiary fund shall be 
entered against each member holding a valid certificate; such 
entry shall be made bearing date of the first meeting night, and 
not later than the 8th day of the month in which said notice 
was received. On the day succeeding the 28th day of said 
month, he shall furnish the Recorder of the Lodge with the 
names of the members who are in arrears on such assessment, 
and the Recorder shall place the same on the minutes of the 
Lodge, and mark such certificates as suspended on the certifi- 
cate register-book, affixing the date thereto. The certificate of 
each member who has not paid such assessment on or before 
the 28th of said month shall, by the fact of such non-payment, 
stand suspended, and no action upon the part of the Lodge or 
any officer thereof shall be required as essential to such sus- 
pension. The Financier shall, upon the receipt of any arrear- 
ages from beneficiary assessments, as provided for in Sections 
10, 11, 12 and 13 of this article, pay the same into the beneficiary 


FINANCIERS. 


199 


fund (said amount from arrearages to be forwarded to the 
Supreme Recorder upon the first order on said fund thereafter), 
and notify the Lodge of the same, and the Recorder shall so 
place it on the minutes of the Lodge, and mark the certificate 
so paid as renewed on the certificate register-book, affixing the 
date thereto. 

Art. VIII, § 9, Sup. L. Const. 

7. The following decisions are not now important under the law of the 
Order, and are inserted here only for the purpose of showing in a connected form 
the progress of the law governing the point involved, although doubts seem still 
frequently to arise from a misconception of the changes which have taken place 
in the law since these decisions were made. 

A Financier is not obliged to receive dues when tendered outside the Lodge 
room. 

Pro. 8 th Ann. Sess., Sup. L ., 1880, p. 188. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1881. 

The Financier may receive money on account of the beneficiary fund outside 
the Lodge room, but it is a matter of accommodation, and is at the payer’s risk. 

This informal receipt of such payments does not involve any responsibility on 
the part of the Lodge or the Order to the delinquent. 

Dec. G. M. W., Pro. G. L. Ky., 1882, p. 11. 

The following decision was made, evidently, under authority of the pre- 
ceding, although the law had in the meantime been changed: 

If a Financier receives money outside of the Lodge room, he does so at his 
own risk. 

The law never contemplated such a proceeding. 

A receipt given by the Financier for money received would be binding, and 
the Lodge would hold him responsible. 

Pro. G. L. Md., N. J. and Del., 1883, p. 17. 

8. At the time most of these decisions were made, Section 10 of the bene- 
ficiary article was as follows: 

§ 10. Any member who renders void his certificate by reason of non-pay- 
ment of assessments thereon, may renew the same at any time within a period 
of three months from the date of the forfeiture thereof, provided he shall pay all 
assessments that have been made during that time. 

Section. 9 of the beneficiary article contained the following : 

“ The certificate of each member who has not paid such assessment on or be- 
fore the 28th day of said month, shall, by the fact of such non-payment, stand 
suspended, and no action upon the part of the Lodge or any officer thereof, shall 
be required as essential to such suspension. 


200 


FINANCIERS. 


While the law of the Order stood as indicated by § 10 and part of § 9, above 
quoted, the case of Peugh against the G. L., A. O. U. W., of N. Y. (not re- 
ported) was tried. 

It appeared in this case, among other things, that the Financier of a Lodge 
had been accustomed to receive assessments at his place of business, where he 
kept his Lodge books, and where the plaintiff, for her husband, had been accus- 
tomed to pay assessments. 

That on several occasions, before the expiration of six months from suspen- 
sion, the plaintiff (widow and beneficiary named in certificate) had offered to pay 
arrearages for her husband when the amount should be ascertained, but the 
Financier, although often promising to ascertain the amount of arrearage, 
neglected to do so. 

In the meantime the member became sick, and after six months had elapsed 
from the time of suspension he died. 

The facts, as proven, did not all appear until the trial of the case. 

The plaintiff had judgment. 

Subsequently the case of Nagle against the G. L., A. O. U. W., of N. Y., was 
tried. (See Reinstatement.) The same point being incidentally involved, and 
the plaintiff having judgment, it was deemed necessary to amend the law of the 
Order, so as to obviate this and greater difficulties. 

This was done in 1882, by amending § 10, so that it now (1884) reads as 
follows : 

9. Any beneficiary certificate suspended by reason of non- 
payment of assessments thereon, may be renewed, if the mem- 
ber be living, at any time within a period of three months from 
the date of such suspension, upon the following conditions, and 
none other, that is to say: 1. All assessments that have been 
made during that time shall be paid. 2. This fact shall be re- 
ported to the Lodge at a stated meeting; and 3. The Lodge 
shall, by a majority vote, declare said certificate renewed. When 
all these conditions have been complied' with, the beneficiary 
certificate shall be held as renewed and in full force, and not 
before. 

Art. VIII, § 10, Const. Snp. L. 

lb. The Financier is authorized to receive money for dues and assess- 
ments outside the Lodge room, and receipt for the same. 


Pro. G. L. Ills., 1884, p. 667. 


FINANCIERS. 


201 


' V 1 

11. The Financier of the Subordinate Lodge shall pay 
over to the Receiver, each meeting night, all beneficiary mon- 
eys, taking his receipt therefor, and make report thereof in 
writing, which shall be entered on the minutes. 

Art. VIII, § 15, Sup. L. Const. 

12. The Financier’s duties are summarized briefly as follows, with refer- 
ence to 

ADMISSION OF MEMBERS. 

1. To receive and receipt for all fees. 

2. To place the advance assessment in the beneficiary fund. 

3. To place all other amounts paid in the general fund. 

In relation to 

ASSESSMENTS, 

his duties are as follows: 

4. To serve the assessment notices. 

5. To keep an exact record of the manner and date of service. 

With reference to 

SUSPENSIONS, 

his duties are 

6. To record all suspensions in the monthly report, with the cause and date. 

7. To furnish the Recorder with the same on the day following the 28th day 
of each month. 

His duties with reference to 

REINSTATEMENTS, 

are 

8. To receive and receipt for all arrearages of assessments. 

9. To enter the same in the monthly report. 

10. When a member who has been suspended over three months desires rein- 
statement, to issue no receipt for back assessments until the member has been 
re-examined, and the Lodge has, by a majority vote, consented to- his reinstate- 
ment. 

11. When a member whose beneficiary certificate has been annulled applies 
for reinstatement, then to issue no receipt for back assessments until the usual 
course necessary in such cases has been completed, and the applicant for rein- 
statement has been elected by a secret ballot. 

With reference to 

CLEARANCE CARDS, 

it is the duty of the Financier to 

12. Send assessment notices, etc., to the brother until such time as he de- 
posits his card and is elected a member in some other Lodge. 


202 


FINANCIERS. 


13. Not to report the brother as withdrawn, in the monthly report, until he 
is actually elected a member of some other Lodge. 

14. When the brother is elected a member of some other Lodge y to report him 
withdrawn. 

The monthly report is wholly distinct from the beneficiary returns. 

With reference to 

FINAL CARDS, 

the duty of the Financier is to 

15. Record the withdrawal by final card on the monthly report, with the date 
thereof. 

With reference to 

MONTHLY REPORTS, 

made by the Recorder to the Supreme or Grand Recorder (see Subordinate 
Lodge Report), the duties of the Financier are 

16. To enter the amount of beneficiary fund, paid by the members, opposite 
their respective names. 

17. To mark suspended all members who fail to pay assessments on or be- 
fore the 28th day of the month. 

(Note. — New York — on or before the 10 th day of the following month.) 

18. To insert the last known postoffice address of all suspended members. 

19. To record manner and date of service of assessment notice in the case of 
suspended members. 

20. To fill out the certificate on the back of the report when members are re- 
ported suspended. 

21. To record in the report all reinstatements and annulments, or suspen- 
sions, with the date thereof. 

22. To record all withdrawals and deaths, with the date thereof. 

23. To record all admissions by card, with the date of such admissions. 

24. To record the names of all members on whom the M. W. degree has 
been conferred, with the dates thereof. 

25. To foot up the report and enter the totals. 

26. To hand the report to the Recorder on the 29th day of the month. 

27. To make a duplicate of the foregoing report, which shall contain the man- 
ner of service and date of service of each assessment notice. 

The foregoing summary of the duties of Financier is compiled from W. 
Warne Wilson’s “ Manual of Instructions for Recorders and Financiers f which in 
most of the duties enumerated will be found to agree with that in force in the 
various jurisdictions of the Order. 

For more complete details as to specific duties, consult the following: 
Membership. 

Assessment. 


\ 






mm 


FINANCIERS. 


203 


Suspension. 

Reinstatement. 

Card. 

Clearance Card. 

Final Card. 

Monthly Report. 

Beneficiary Return. 

28. In addition to the foregoing, it is the duty of the Financier to make the 
beneficiary return, which must accompany the remittance of an assessment to 
the Grand or Supreme Recorder. 

This beneficiary return must not be confounded with the monthly report. 

See Beneficiary Return. 

As to the duty of Financier on the death of a member when identity is doubted. 

See Beneficiary Certificate, Proof of Death. 

13. When no assessment is made the Financier is not compelled to notify 
the members when there is no assessment for the month. 

I 

Penna . Rev. Dec., 195. 

14. The Financier can issue notice of assessment to members of the 
Lodge previous to the notice from the Grand Recorder being read in the Lodge. 

15. Financiers must keep a record of the beneficiary payments in manner 
and form prescribed by the Grand Lodge, keeping said record in the Financier’s 
beneficiary book entirely separate and distinct from Lodge funds, taking sep- 
arate receipts for the beneficiary and Lodge funds from the Receiver, and making 
no charge of assessments against a certificate until such assessment shall have 
been paid. 

Pemia. Rev. Dec., 36. 

16. Where two assessments are received at the same time from the 
Grand Recorder, the Financier should send out notices for both assessments at the 
same time. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1880 , p. 159. 

17. When two assessments are received at the same time, both must be 
paid within twenty days. Id. 

18. A Financier can act as Recorder, but a Recorder cannot regularly 
act as Financier without giving bonds. 

The latter officer must be bonded to protect the Lodge. 

* 

Pro. G. L. California, 1882, p. 14. 


204 


FORFEITURE 


Note . — The scope of the above decision does not clearly appear; it is suggested 
that it refers to filling a vacancy temporarily, as it is clearly contrary to good 
policy and to the spirit of the laws of the Order for one person to occupy both 
these offices in the Subordinate Lodge. 

19. When Financier may have P. M. W. degree conferred. 

See P. M. W. Degree. 

✓ 

L. 19 App. to G. L.. 

FINANCE COMMITTEE. 

See Committee on Finance. 

FINANCIAL YEAR. 

See Fiscal Year. 

FISCAL YEAR. 

1. The fiscal year of all jurisdictions for the purposes of the relief law 
(Art. IX, Sup. L. Const.) shall be from Jan. 1, to Dec. 31. 

Pro. Sup. L. \ith Ann. Sess., 1884. 

See Assessment, par. 6. 

2. The fiscal year of the Supreme Lodge, in all its relations with Grand 
and Subordinate Lodges, shall be determined as commencing with the first day 
of January and closing with the last day of December following, in accordance 
with the action of the Supreme Lodge Finance Committee, to conform to the 
change made relative to fiscal year for purpose of relief. 

FORFEITURE. 

1. Forfeiture of proposition fee. An applicant who has 
been elected shall be notified of his election by the Recorder 
within six days thereafter, and should he fail or neglect to pre- 
sent himself for initiation or admission for four stated meetings 
of the Lodge, after being duly notified of his election (unless 
prevented by sickness or some other unavoidable occurrence), 
he shall forfeit his proposition fee. 

Sub. L. Const., Art.'ll, § 3. 


I 


FOREMAN. 


205 


FOREMAN. 

Foreman, Supreme. See Supreme Foreman. 

Foreman, Grand. See Grand Foreman. 

1. Foreman is an elective officer. 

See Law 6 of Gen. Afp ., Art. VI, Const. Sub. L. 

2. The Foreman shall assist the M. W. in preserving order, 
and aid him in conducting the ceremonies; have charge of the 
inner door, and in the absence of the M.-W. shall preside in his 
stead, and perform such other duties as are enjoined by the laws, 
rules and regulations of the Order. In case of the death, resig- 
nation or inability of the M. W. to serve, he shall fill his term, 
at the expiration of which he shall be entitled to all the honors 
of Past Master Workman. {See Master Workman, ante.) 

Art. X, § 2, Sub. L. Const. 

3. Note . — The Foreman is member of the Relief Committee. 

See that title, par. 1. 

4. The Foreman should allow no brother to leave the hall without the 
consent of the Master Workman, or to enter the Lodge room or retire from it 
during the opening, initiatory or closing ceremonies, the reading of the minutes, 
or when conferring degrees. When requested by the Master Workmap, he will 
take the station of that officer and confer the degrees. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par.. 42 1. 

Master Workman, absence or disability of. In the absence of the Mas- 
ter Workman, the Foreman, shall preside in his stead. In case of the death, 
resignation or inability of the Master Workman, the Foreman will serve the 
balance of the term, and be entitled to all the honors of the Master Workman. 

In the absence of the Master Workman and Foreman for the evening, 
the Overseer will take the chair of the Foreman, and a Past Master Workman 
will take the chair of the Master Workman. Grand Lodges, however, may 
provide that the Overseer shall preside as Master Workman in the absence of 
the Master Workman and Foreman. 

Dig., 1st. Ed., par. 416, 417. 

5. Note . — The general rule that vacancies shall be filled in the manner 
of the original selection does not apply in the case of the Master Workman’s 
chair, unless so provided by Grand Lodges. By the above section that chair may be 


206 


FOREMAN 


said to never become vacant; because in case of the death, resignation or dis- 
ability of the brother who has been elected and installed, the Foreman at once 
becomes Master Workman by virtue of his office without installation, except 
that which he has already had as Foreman, which includes in it the duties of. 
Master Workman in case of such contingency arising. There is, therefore, but 
one election and installation of a Master Workman in a term, no matter how 
many changes take place. Whenever the Foreman becomes Master Workman 
as above provided, the Foreman's chair becomes vacant, and an election is held 
to fill it, and the brother elected must be installed as Foreman; but there is no 
election or installation of Master Workman except the regular election and in- 
stallation for the term. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 419. 

§ 2, Art. Ill, Sub. L. Const. 

6. The M. W. of a Subordinate Lodge being present, presides. In the 
absence of the M. W. the Foreman presides; in the absence of both, the Over- 
seer presides; and all the preceding named officers being absent, any P. M. W. 
present may be selected to preside. Should no P. M. W. be present, the mem- 
bers can select any brother of the M. W. degree present, of their own Lodge, to 
preside. 

Ohio G. L. 1880, p. 14. 

7. The Foreman shall not be entitled to all or any of the honors of a 
P. M. W. unless and until he shall have filled the chair of M. W. for the term 
or a portion thereof [remainder], in which there has been a vacancy, and as to 
this vacancy, except in case of the death of the M. W., there must be a judicial 
declaration or finding by the Lodge that the M. W. has forfeited the office, and 
this by a two-thirds affirmative vote. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1881, p. 95. 

8. On the resignation of the Master Workman the Foreman, by vir- 
tue of his office, becomes Master Workman, and an election should be held to 
fill the second office, which thus becomes vacant. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1883. 

9. In case of vacancy in the Foreman’s chair, any M. W. degree mem- 
ber is eligible to the office. 

The Overseer is an M. W. degree member, and is eligible. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1880, p. 161. 

See Overseer. 

10. A Foreman filling the unexpired term as M. W., and thereafter being 
re-elected Master Workman, but resigning, is entitled to all the honors of 
P. M. W. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1881, p. 269. 


\ 


FORMS. 


207 


11. The Foreman fills out the unexpired term of the Master Workman on 
the latter’s removal, without election. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1 88 1, p. 65. 

Pro . G. L. Kan., 1881, p. go. 

12. In the absence of the Master Workman, the F. shall preside in his 
stead. In case of the death, resignation, or inability of the Master Workman, 
the F. will serve the balance of the term, and be entitled to all the honors of the 
Master Workman. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 79. 

13. In case of the death, resignation, etc., of the M. W. and F., the Lodge 
would be required to elect a Master Workman to serve the balance of the term. 
At the expiration of which he shall be entitled to the honors of the office. The 
Lodge may elect the Overseer to serve the balance of the term as M. W. In 
that case the Lodge would be required to elect an F. and O., to serve the balance 
of the term. Ibid. , 80. 

14. The M. W. of a Lodge, wishing to speak upon or debate a question, 
must call the F. to his chair while so doing. Ibid., 101. 

15. A member elected and installed as Foreman, but who never served as 
such, is not eligible for Master Workman. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1881, p. 267. 

See Master Workman. 


FORMS. 

See Appendix. 

Form. 

1. Application for Membership. See title Application for Mem- 

bership, par. 2. 

2. Application for Beneficiary Certificate. See title Beneficiary 

Certificate and Beneficiary System, par. 24. 

3. Beneficiary Certificate. See Ibid. 

4. Application for Change of Direction of Beneficiary Certifi- 

cate. See Beneficiary Certificate, par. 38 et seq. 

5. Assessment Notice. 

6. Clearance Card, Grand or Supreme Lodge. Title Card, par. 

4 and 5. 

7. Clearance Card, Subordinate Lodge. 

8. Final Card. 


208 


FURNITURE OF DEFUNCT, ETC., LODGES. 


9. Official A. O. U. W. Bond. See Bonds of Officers, par. 2. 

10. Medical Examiner’s Report. 

11. Report on Death of Member. 

a . Certificate of Officers. 

b . Physician’s Affidavit. 

c . Undertaker’s Affidavit. 

See title BeneficiarA Article, par. 87, et seq . 

12. Monthly Beneficiary Report. 

13. Beneficiary Return. 

14. Semi-Annual Report. 

15. Beneficiary Certificate Register- Book. 

16. Financier’s Assessment Book. 

17. Roll Book of Members. 

18. Receiver’s Cash Book. 

19. Financier’s Receipt to Member. 

20. Receiver’s Receipt to Financier. 

21. Receipt for. Death Benefit. 

22. Subordinate Lodge Warrant or Order on Receiver. 

Forms on Trial. 

23. Charges. 

24. Notice of Charges Preferred. 

25. Notice of Hearing. 

26. Report of Committee. 

27. Notice of Judgment. 

28. Notice of Appeal. 

29. Answer to Appeal. 

30. Certificate to Transcript on Appeal. 

FORMATION OF GRAND LODGE. 

See Grand Lodge. 


FRAUD. 

See Offenses. 

FUND. 

Beneficiary. See Beneficiary Fund. 

General. See General Fund. 

FUNDS. 

Deposit of. See Officers. 

Illegal use of. See Offenses. 

FURNITURE OF DEFUNCT, ETC., LODGES. 
How disposed of. See Delinquent and Defunct Lodges, par. 5. 


c. 

GENERAL FUND. 

1. No money shall be paid out of the general fund of any 
Subordinate Lodge except upon orders drawn upon the Re- 
ceiver. 

L. 29 of Gen. App. 

2. The general fund of a Subordinate Lodge whose dues are twenty-five 
cents per month, cannot be appropriated to the payment of a beneficiary assess- 
ment. (This does not include a prohibition of paying a relief assessment. See 
Relief Law.) The reasoning upon which this decision was based was as fol- 
lows : 

1. A general fund is necessary for general Lodge and charitable purposes. 

2. The spirit of our law demands the most careful distinction between the 
general and beneficiary funds. 

3. The general fund is made up wholly, or in great part, of Lodge dues, 
which cannot be less than twenty-five cents per month (Art. XI, § 1, Sub. L. 
Const.), but such an appropriation would in effect reduce the dues below the con- 
stitutional limit, and “ that which cannot be done directly cannot be done in- 
directly.” 

4. Besides the distinction between general and beneficiary funds above re- 
ferred to, and the necessity of a general fund, there must also be borne in mind 
the distinction between the Lodge, as a body, associated for certain purposes in 
which many have equal interests, and the men as component parts thereof. 

5. The general fund belongs to the Lodge, as a Lodge, for its general and 
charitable purposes, and not to the members of the Lodge. 

6. While the general fund may very properly be used in fraternal charity to 
pay the assessment of a brother unable to meet the demands on him, yet all the 
members of a Lodge would not be likely to belong to that class. 

7. Such an appropriation would therefore amount only to a division by the 
members among themselves of the general fund of the Lodge, to the extent of 
one dollar to each member, and this, I believe, is a breach of their duty to the 
Lodge, and opposed to the spirit of our law. 

G. M. W. Dec. N. K, 1878. 

3. When a member has credit in the general fund of a Lodge he cannot 
be suspended, but the Lodge should transfer funds so as to cover the assessment. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1880, p. 29. 

Note — Courts have rendered conflicting decisions relative to this subject. 

See Assessments, Offsets. 

14 


\ 


210 


GENERAL FUND. 


4. Use of general fund. Under the laws of the Order the general fund 
and beneficiary fund are to be kept separate, and any commingling of said 
funds is illegal. The beneficiary fund is a sacred trust with which to [meet calls 
made upon it by the Supreme or Grand Lodges] pay current assessments. 
The law does not contemplate any excess or deficiency in said beneficiary fund. 
The law provides ample means for collecting the assessments, and the negligence 
of members who fail to pay should not cast an additional burden upon those who 
pay promptly. 

The general fund should first go to the payment of the necessary expenses of 
the Lodge, for unless the Lodges are maintained, our whole system is a failure. 

No other limits seem to be placed upon the use of the general fund, except 
that it can be used only for purposes within the scope and for the advancement 
of the interests of the Order. 

It is inexpedient and improper to use the general fund of the Order for the 
purposes of advancing money to pay uncollected assessments, and where money 
has been credited to the beneficiary fund properly belonging to the general fund, 
the books should be corrected, and such amount improperly ordered to such fund 
should be transferred to the general fund. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1881, p. 265. 

5. Use of general fund. A resolution was proposed “that every brother 
of this Lodge bringing an applicant for membership, from the present date up to 
Sept, 1st, 1879, shall be paid from the general fund of this Lodge the sum of 
six dollars when the applicant receives the M. W. degree.” 

From the action of the Lodge adopting this resolution an appeal was taken. 

Held by the G. M. W. that the general fund of a Lodge is the exclusive 
property of the Lodge, and there is no law nor usage to prevent a Lodge from 
donating money from its general fund to assist a brother or compensate him for 
services rendered the Lodge, in the manner provided. 

In G. L. this decision was reversed, the following report of a committee to 
whom it was referred being adopted : 

<l On examining the law and decisions of the Supreme Lodge, we find that it 
has decided that no evasion of the law is permitted, as by promising to take a 
member in and donating back to him any portion of the initiation or degree 
fees.” 

That which cannot be done directly cannot be done indirectly. 

We refer to sections 550, 551 and note, and also 552 and 553, Digest, 1st ed., 
clearly showing that the system of evading the payment of amounts fixed by the 
constitution of Grand or Subordinate Lodges is repugnant to our laws. 

Art. IV, § 1, constitution of Subordinate Lodges, declares that no member shall 
have the degrees conferred on him for less than nine dollars. 


GENERAL LAWS, AND LAWS OF GENERAL APPLICATION. 211 


In view of the foregoing facts we believe the action of said Lodge was 

an evasion of the law as contemplated in the above decision and digest. 

We therefore recommend that the decision of the Grand Master Workman be 
reversed. We further recommend that this Grand Lodge declare it as the sense 
of the same that all evasions of the law in this particular are contrary to the 
spirit of our laws and dignity as an Order. 

Pro. G. L . III., 1880 , p. 172, 214. 

6. Use of general fund. A Lodge can use its general fund to purchase re- 
galia, fuel, pay rent, etc. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1879 , p. 178. 

7. A Lodge may use its general fund to pay the assessments and dues of 
a sick or disabled brother. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1884, p. 56. 


8 . The assessment of a sick brother may be paid from the general fund. 

Pro G. L. III., 1881 , p. 264. 

9. Use of general fund limited by by-laws. Where the by-laws of a 
Lodge provided that * ‘ the general fund shall be sacredly pledged to the relief of 
distressed brothers, the payment of benefits, and the necessary expenses of the 
Lodge-room, and for no other purpose,” the Lodge became indebted for a de- 
ficiency on an entertainment which it gave. Held, that under such a provision 
of the by-laws, a motion to draw an order on the general fund to pay such de- 
ficiency was out of order. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1884, p. 668. 

See “ Money, how paid out.” 

General fund, how disposed of on surrender of charter. 

See Charter, par. 29, 30. 

GENERAL LAWS, AND LAWS OF GENERAL APPLICATION. 

1. The Supreme Lodge has power to adopt laws and reg- 
ulations of general application for the government of Grand 
Lodges, and of Subordinate Lodges under its immediate juris- 
diction, and alter, amend, and abrogate the same. 

Art. IV, § 1, Sup. L. Const. 

See Supreme Lodge, Powers of. 


212 


GRAND LODGE— POWERS, ETC. 


2. It may adopt such regulations and general laws, not in- 
consistent with the constitution, as may be deemed necessary 
for the welfare of the Order, etc. 

Art. XIII, Sup. L. Const. 

See title Amendments, par. i to 6. 

3. Grand Lodge constitution shall not be inconsistent with 
the constitution and general laws of the Supreme Lodge. 

L. 17, App. to G. L. 

4. A Lodge neglecting or refusing to conform to the gen- 
eral law may have its charter suspended or forfeited. 

Z. 21, App. to G. L. 

See Delinquent and Defunct Lodges. 

5. Adherence to general laws by Subordinate Lodges. 

Grand Lodges shall enforce on Subordinate Lodges strict ad- 
herence to the general laws. 

See L. 9 and 10 of Gen. App. 

GOOD STANDING. 

1. (California. Nevada.) Every member of a Subordinate Lodge shall 
be considered in good standing who is not disqualified, debarred or suspended 
from the privileges and benefits by reason of the non-payment of dues, fines or 
beneficiary assessments, or having been suspended or expelled under the penal 
provisions of the law, rules, and regulations. 

Art. XII, § 5, Const. Sub. L. Cal. 

Art. XII, § 5, Const. Sub. Z. Col., Nev. and N. M. 

GRAND LODGE— POWERS, ETC. 

1. Grand Lodges, how formed. By virtue of authority 
from the Supreme Lodge, Ancient Order of United Workmen, 
Grand Lodges are established in States, Districts, and Terri- 
tories, and are composed only of the Past Master Workmen in 
good standing in the Subordinate Lodges under the jurisdic- 
tion of such Grand Lodges. 

Z. 1, App. to G. L . 


GRAND LODGE— POWERS, ETC, 


213 


2. Arrearages. No Grand Lodge shall be instituted until 
all the Subordinate -Lodges in the State, District, or Territory 
petitioning for a Grand Lodge shall have paid all arrearages to 
the Supreme Lodge. 

L. 14, App. to G. L. 

3. Grand Lodges, how formed. When ten or more Sub- 
ordinate Lodges in any State, District or Territory in which 
there is no Grand Lodge shall petition the Supreme Master 
Workman to institute a Grand Lodge in such State, District or 
Territory, he shall direct the Supreme Recorder to notify each 
Subordinate Lodge in such State, District or Territory to elect 
three representatives on the first meeting night after the re- 
ceipt of the notice from among its Past Master Workmen in 
good standing, to participate in the formation of the Grand 
Lodge. 

L. 3, App. to G. L. 

4. Past Master Workmen, when elected. If a Subor- 
dinate Lodge, when notified to elect representatives to partici- 
pate in the formation of a Grand Lodge, or at any subsequent 
election of representatives, is without the requisite number of 
Past Master Workmen in good standing, it may elect a number 
sufficient to fill the quota from the M. W. degree members in 
good standing, who, by virtue of such election and service as 
representatives, become Past Master Workmen. 

L. 4, App. to G. L. 

5. Election of officers. The representatives elected in ac- 
cordance with the last two preceding sections, together with 
such Past Master Workmen in good standing as may choose to 
attend, shall meet at such time and place as may be specified 
by the Supreme Master Workman, and proceed to organize a 
Grand Lodge, by electing a Past Grand Master Workman, a 
Grand Master Workman, a Grand Foreman, a Grand Overseer, 
a Grand Recorder, a Grand Receiver, a Grand Guide, and a 
Grand Watchman, who shall serve until the next regular elec- 


214 


GRAND LODGE— POWERS, ETC. 


tion; at which time, and at each succeeding regular election 
thereafter, said officers shall be elected to serve for the term of 
one year, provided Grand Lodges which hold biennial sessions 
may elect their officers to serve for the term of two years. 

Z. 5, App . to G. L. 

6. Grand Lodges holding biennial sessions may elect 
officers (except trustees), to serve for the term of two years. 

L. 5, App. to G. L. 

7. Eligibility to office. Past Master Workman degree 
members in good standing in the Order, although not repre- 
sentatives from Subordinate Lodges, are eligible to office in the 
Grand Lodge of which they are members. 

Laws App. to G. L., § 15. 

8 . Note. — Past Master Workmen being members of the Grand Lodge 

of the jurisdiction to which they belong, whether elected representatives or not, 
are also eligible to appointment on any committee of the Grand Lodge. 

Dig., 1st Ed , par. 118. 

9. Installation. The Supreme Master Workman shall in- 
stall, or cause to be installed, the officers elect of a new Grand 
Lodge, and forward, or cause to be forwarded, to the Supreme 
Recorder a notice of the organization and a list of the officers. 

Law 8, App. to G. L. 

10. Note . — The Senior Past Grand Master Workman present installs 
the officers of a Grand Lodge after its first session. In case any officer elected 
should not be present at the time for installation, the Grand Lodge can declare his 
office vacant, and proceed to fill the vacancy by a new election. 

11. Grand Lodges, meeting of. All regulations with reference to meet- 
ings of Grand Lodges are left to those bodies in each Grand Jurisdiction, ex- 
cepting only that the terms of these officers are fixed by the Supreme law. 

The law relating to this subject, after specifying the names of Grand Lodge 
officers elected at the organization of a Grand Lodge, etc., directs that their 
successors shall be elected to serve one year, provided, however, that Grand 
Lodges holding biennial sessions may elect officers to serve for double that 
time. 

L. 5, App. to G. L. 

See Election of Officers in Grand Lodges. 

Eligibility to Office in Grand Lodge. 

Law 6, App. to G. L. 


GRAND LODGE— POWERS. ETC. 


215 


12. A brother suspended for non-payment of beneficiary assessments is 
not entitled to a seat in the Grand Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Mich., 1878, p. 65. 

{Dec. S. M. W.) 

13. But the G. O., having been suspended by his Subordinate Lodge for 
non-payment of assessments (although the regularity of such suspension was 
questioned), was given a seat and restored to the duties ot his office. 

See Pro. G. L. Mich., 1878, pp. 7-67. 

14- Compensation of officers. An officer of the Grand 
Lodge holding funds cannot receive interest or compensation 
other than his salary. 

See Money. 

15. P. M. W. degree. Each Grand Lodge must confer the 
Past Master Workman degree, without pecuniary consideration, 
upon a brother in good standing who has legally performed the 
duties of Master Workman for one term, or the remainder of a 
term, in a Subordinate Lodge, and upon a brother in good 
standing who has been elected Past Master Workman at the in- 
stitution of a new Lodge, or in case of his death, resignation, or 
removal from office, his successor, who shall have served the 
remainder of the term, and may confer said degree upon Grand 
Medical Examiners who are Master Workman degree members 
in good standing of some Subordinate Lodge, and may also 
confer said degree upon Recorders, Receivers and Financiers of 
Subordinate Lodges who have served as such for three consecu- 
tive years, when their respective Lodges shall, by resolution, so 
request, and upon no other person; provided that in either case 
the degree shall not be conferred unless he shall have served a 
majority of the meetings of the term, or remainder of the term, 
for which he had been elected. 

L. 19, App. to G. L. 

16. Grand Lodges have power to try offenses of member 
in attendance at their session. 

See Charges. 

L. 40 of Gen. App. 


216 


GRAND LODGE— POWERS, ETC. 


17. Rules of Order. Roberts’ Rules of Order govern Grand 
Lodges when not otherwise provided for. 

Z. 48 of Gen. App. 

Powers of Grand Lodges and laws applicable to Grand 
Lodges generally. 

18. Control over Subordinate Lodges. Grand Lodges shall have full 
control and authority over the Subordinate Lodges in their several jurisdictions 
(subject, however, to appeal to the Supreme Lodge, as hereinafter provided), and 
must adopt for their government a uniform constitution and code of trials, pro- 
vided they shall not conflict with the constitution of the Supreme Lodge, or the 
general laws adopted by the Supreme Lodge for the government of the Order. 

Z. 9, App. to G. L. 

19. Charter fee of Subordinate Lodge. A Grand Lodge has not power to 
reduce the charter fee of new Lodges below fifty dollars. 

Z. 9, of Gen. App. 

20. The Grand Lodge may regulate supplies to be furnished a Subordinate 
Lodge at its institution, subject to certain’pro visions. 

Z. 10, of Gen. App. 

See title Supplies. 

21. Suspension of a Grand Lodge. When a Grand Lodge is suspended 
for any cause, the Subordinate Lodges under its jurisdiction shall, during such 
suspension, be under the control of the Supreme Lodge, subject to the laws 
governing Subordinate Lodges under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme 
Lodge. 

Z. 35, of Gen . App. 

22. Grand Lodges shall enforce upon their Subordinate Lodges a strict 
adherence to the forms, ceremonies, charges and regalia prescribed by the Su- 
preme Lodge, and to the general laws for the government of the Order; and 
they shall be responsible for any irregularity or violation they may sustain or 
allow. 

Z. 10, App. to G. L. 

23. Grand Lodges shall report to the Supreme Recorder. See title 
(Grand Recorder, reports of.) 

Law 16, App. to G. L. 

24. For power to discipline Subordinate Lodges, see title “ Delinquent 
and Defunct Lodges.” 

Law 21, App. to G. L. 


GRAND LODGE— POWERS, ETC. 


217 


25. The Grand Lodge or Grand Master Workman during the recess has 
power to permit a resident of the State to join the Order in another State. 

See Law 13, of Gen. App. 

26. Legislative business, etc. Grand Lodges have the 
right to transact their legislative business upon a representa- 
tive basis, and may confer upon their elective officers the privi- 
lege of speaking and voting upon all questions that may arise. 

L. n, App. to G. L. 

See title Supreme Representatives. Past Grand Master Work- 
man, Etc. 

27. When charter of Grand Lodge may be annulled. See 
<l Charter,” par. 6, 7, 8, 10, etc. 

Law 2, App. to G. L. 

When charter suspended, etc. 

§ 10, Art. IX, Sup. L. Const., (Relief Law.) 

28. Subordinate Lodge meetings and terms. Grand Lodges may, when 
such a course shall be deemed beneficial, permit their Subordinate Lodges to 
meet either once in two weeks, or semi-monthly, instead of weekly, in which 
case the term of officers must be twelve months instead of six months; provided 
that Grand Lodges may provide for a twelve months’ term in all cases, if 
deemed expedient. 

L. 12, App. to G. L. 

29. Grand Lodges may suspend or dissolve Subordinate Lodges, and de- 
clare their charter forfeited for certain causes, after notice. 

See Delinquent and Defunct Lodges, and Charter. 

Law 21, App. to G. L. 

Law 22, App. to G. L. 

30. Grand Lodges may fix a time after which dissolved or suspended Sub- 
ordinate Lodges shall have no right to the funds or effects which belonged to 
such Subordinate Lodges. 

See title Delinquent and Defunct Lodges. 

Law 25, App. to G. L. 


218 


GRAND LODGE— POWERS, ETC. 


31. Grand Constitution and by-laws. Grand Lodges may adopt consti- 
tutions and by-laws for their government, not inconsistent with the constitution 
and general laws of the Supreme Lodge; provided such constitution shall be in 
force when approved by the Supreme Master Workman, unless disapproved by 
the Supreme Lodge. 

Part of Law 17, App . to G. L. 

Note . — Grand Lodges forming separate beneficiary jurisdictions may make 
alterations in general laws, etc., in accordance with § 3, Art VI, Sup. L. Const. 

See Grand Lodge for mingseparate Beneficiary Jurisdiction, infra. 

32. The time of meetings of the various Grand Lodges, whether in an- 
nual or biennial session, the place where fixed, and the requirements as to a 
quorum, when that subject is provided for, are as follows : 

Pennsylvania — Annually; second Tuesday in January. 

Kentucky — Biennially; second Tuesday in February. Quorum, a majority of 
the representatives. 

Ohio — Annually; fourth Tuesday in August. Quorum, a majority of repre- 
sentatives elect. 

Indiana — Annually; third Tuesday in February. (Note. — Dig. 1st Ed. , par. 
170.) 

New York. — Annually; first Tuesday in February. Quorum, representatives 
from one-third of the Subordinate Lodges. 

Illinois — Annually; last Tuesday in February. 

Missouri — Biennially; second Tuesday in even numbered years, at St. Louis. 
Quorum, representatives of fifty Lodges, and one of the first four elective offi- 
cers of the Grand Lodge. 

Minnesota — Annually; second Tuesday in May, at St. Paul, but the Lodge 
may select another place each alternate year. Quorum, representatives of ten 
Lodges. 

Wisconsin — Annually or biennially; first Wednesday in February. 

Tennessee — Biennially; third Tuesday in January, at Nashville, in odd num- 
bered years. Quorum, one-third of the representatives of the Subordinate 
Lodges in the jurisdiction. 

Michigan — Annually; first Tuesday in February, at Detroit. Quorum, eight 
of the officers and members may open and close the session, but representatives 
of not less than ten Lodges are necessary to transact business. 

California — Annually; first Tuesday in April, at San Francisco. Quorum, 
fifty representatives representing not less than twenty-five Lodges. 


GRAND MASTER WORKMAN. 


219 


Georgia, Alabama, etc. — Annually; first Tuesday in May. Quorum, rep- 
resentatives from one-third of the Subordinate Lodges. 

Kansas — Annually; third Tuesday in February. 

Province of Ontario — Annually; third Tuesday in February. Quorum, 
representatives of not less than ten Lodges. 

. i , 

Oregon and Washington — Annually; second Wednesday in July. Quorum, 
representatives of twenty Lodges. 

Massachusetts — Annually; fourth Tuesday in February, at Boston. Quo- 
rum, ten members representing at least five Lodges. 

Maryland, New Jersey and Delaware — Annually; second Tuesday in Feb- 
ruary. 

Texas — Biennially; fourth Tuesday in July, in even numbered years. 

Nevada — Annually; second Tuesday of May. Quorum, twenty representa- 
tives of not less than six Lodges. 

Colorado — Biennially; second Tuesday of October, in even numbered years. 

As to incorporation of Grand Lodges, see title Incorporation. 

GRAND LODGE OFFICERS. 

The officers of a Grand Lodge are : 

(For laws, etc., relating to Past Master Workman, see that title.) 

1. A Past Grand Master Workman, 

2. A Grand Master Workman, 

3. A Grand Foreman. 

4. A Grand Overseer. 

5. A Grand Recorder. 

6. A Grand Receiver. 

7. A Grand Guide. 

8. A Grand Watchman. 

9. Representatives to Supreme Lodge. 

10. Three Trustees, as provided in Law 6, applicable to Grand Lodges. 

The above named (except trustees) hold office for one year in Grand Lodges 
holding annual sessions. 

GRAND MASTER WORKMAN. 

1. Note. — Grand Master Workman, duties of. It is the duty of the 
Grand Master Workman, as the executive head of the Order in his jurisdiction, 
to enforce upon all officers and Subordinate Lodges a compliance with the con- 
stitutions, laws, rules, and regulations of the Order, and “ a strict adherence to 


4 


220 GRAND MASTER WORKMAN. 


the forms, ceremonies, charges and regalia prescribed by the Supreme Lodge.” 
It is his duty to preside at all sessions of the Grand Lodge, and exercise the usual 
functions of a presiding officer, as well as to perform such other duties as the 
Grand Lodge, by its constitution or otherwise, may assign to him. He discharges 
the executive functions of the Grand Lodge when the Lodge is not in session, 
and exercises a general supervision over the Order in his jurisdiction, making a 
report of the state of the same, and of his acts and official decisions to the Grand 
Lodge. The particular duties assigned to the Grand Master Workman in each 
jurisdiction will be found defined in the Grand Lodge constitution. 

Dig., 1st Ed. 

2. Office of Grand Master Workman does not become vacant. A 

Grand Lodge at a called session cannot declare the office of the Grand Master 
Workman vacant. In fact, the office does not become vacant. The office , under 
the constitution and laws, always exists, and by the same authority is filled by 
the person elected to that position by the Grand Lodge, or by one whose official 
position enables or authorizes him by succession to perform the duties of the 
office until an election shall be had. The election must take place at an annual 
{i. e. regular) meeting of the Grand Lodge. Any Grand Lodge officer may be 
impeached as an officer or an individual, and his place filled until the ensuing 
annual election either by succession or appointment, as provided in the constitu- 
tion, that is, by succession in cases so provided for, as that of Grand Master 
Workman, or by appointment, as in case of subordinate officers, as to whom 
there is no provision for succession. 

Dig., ist Ed. 

3. Powers. A Grand Master Workman has the right to go at all times, 
either in person or by deputy, into Subordinate Lodges; to at all times examine 
fully the reports, books, and all other papers of such Subordinate Lodge. Where 
a Subordinate Lodge refused to submit its books, etc., to the inspection of a 
legally authorized D. G. M. it was reported to the Grand Lodge, which body, by 
resolution, declared that such action was in gross violation of law, and was in 
contempt of the Grand Lodge, and it was ordered that said Lodge be reprimanded 
by the Grand Master Workman; that it send its books, papers and records to the 
G. M. W. or his duly appointed deputy for inspection within ten days, or in de- 
fault thereof that the charter of such Lodge be suspended. 

Pro. G. L. Tex., 1881,/. 21. 

• 

4. No one, except the Grand Master Workman or his deputy, is author- 
ized by the law of the Order to demand the gavel and conduct the business of 
a Subordinate Lodge when in session. 

Pro. G. L. Tex., 1883 p. 37. 


I 


GRAND OVERSEER. 


231 


5. Grand Master Workman, power to grant dispensations. 

See title Dispensations. 

6. The Grand Master Workman of Illinois may perform such acts as 
the Grand Lodge might perform, except that he may not exercise any of the 
legislative functions of the G. L. 

Art. VI, § 1, G. L. Const. Illinois. 

7. Kentucky. No one shall be eligible for Grand Master Workman who 
has not served one term as a Grand Lodge officer, etc. 

Const. G. L. Ky., Art. VII, § 3. 

Note. — New York also requires previous service. 

8. Grand Master, duty of, with respect to withholding beneficiary certifi- 
cates. 

See Medical Examinations, par. 12. 

GRAND FOREMAN. 

1. Grand Foreman. The office of Grand Foreman is elective. 

L. 5, App. to G. L. 

Duties of. In general, it is the duty of the Grand Foreman to assist the 
Grand Master Workman, and in case of the removal, death, resignation or in- 
ability to act of the Grand Master Workman, the Grand Foreman succeeds to 
his duties and prerogatives. In such case the honors are governed by rules anal- 
ogous to those applied to Foreman of the Subordinate Lodge. 

2. Note. — Grand Foreman, duties of. It is the duty of the Grand Fore- 
man to assist the Grand Master Workman, and in his absence to preside over 
the Grand Lodge. In case of the death, resignation, removal or disability of 
the Grand Master Workman, the duties of the office devolve upon the Grand 
Foreman, who, by service until the end of the term, becomes entitled to the 
rank of Past Grand Master Workman. 

GRAND OVERSEER. 

1. Grand Overseer. The Grand Overseer is an elective officer, ranking 
next to the Grand Foreman, to whose chair, in case of vacancy, he generally 
succeeds. 

This is not true, however, in all cases. 

2. Note— Grand Overseer, duties of. The Grand Overseer’s duty is to 
render the Grand Master Workman such assistance as may be required of him, 
and to perform such other duties as are enjoined by the laws, rules and regula- 
tions of the Order. 


222 


GRAND RECORDER 


GRAND GUIDE. 

1. Grand Guide. The Guide of the Grand Lodge is elected in the same 
manner as other Grand Lodge officers. 

His duties in the Grand body are similar to those of the Guide in a Subor- 
dinate Lodge. 

See Guide. 

2. Note . — Grand Guide and Grand Watchman. The duties of these 
officers are such as are enjoined by the laws, rules and regulations of the Order, 
and as may be prescribed by the different Grand Lodges in conformity with the 
same. 

GRAND MEDICAL EXAMINER. 

Grand Medical Examiner may be made P. M. W. 

See P. M. W. Degree, L. 19 App. to G. L., and also titles Medical 
Examination, Medical Examiner, Etc. 

GRAND RECEIVER. 

The Grand Receiver is an elective officer. 

L. 5, App . to G. L. 

The duties of the Grand Receiver are primarily to keep the funds of Grand 
Lodges. The details of his duty are prescribed by the several Grand Lodge 
constitutions, which contain various features of different degrees of importance. 

The Grand Receiver is required to give an official bond. 

1. Kentucky. In this Grand Lodge the Grand Receiver is required to 
make settlement with the finance committee every three months or oftener if 
directed by the chairman, and to produce vouchers for any balance in his hands, 
either by certificates of deposit or certified bank account, and the books of both 
Grand Recorder and Grand Receiver are required to be audited by the finance 
committee once in three months, or oftener if required by the Grand Master 
Workman. 

2. In Tennessee all orders on the Grand Receiver, drawn by the G. M. 
W. and attested by the Grand Recorder, are required to be countersigned by the 
chairman of the committee on finance. 

3. Note . — The same rule applies in the Supreme Lodge jurisdiction, 
Michigan and other States. 

GRAND RECORDER. 

1. Duties of. For duties required specially of Grand Recorders of Grand 
Lodges set apart as separate beneficiary jurisdictions, and also of those of 
Grand Lodges under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge, see post. 


GRAND RECORDER. 


223 


2. Note . — The duties of the Grand Recorder, in general, are : To record 
the proceedings of the Grand Lodge, conduct its correspondence, have charge of 
its seal, books and papers, keep its records and registers, receive moneys and 
pay them over to the Receiver, draw orders for money when authorized, attest 
official papers, issue beneficiary certificates, prepare charters for Subordinate 
Lodges, etc. The details of his duties are to be found in the Grand Lodge con- 
stitutions. 

See Register of Expelled Members. 

3. As to duty of Grand Recorder or Supreme Recorder on the transfer of a 
member by card from one jurisdiction to another, 

See L. 23, Gen. App. 

• Clearance Card. 

4. The Supreme Recorder and Grand Recorders are to be notified by 
Recorders of Subordinate Lodges of the reinstatement of members. 

Art. VIII, § 13, Sup. L. Const. 

See Reinstatement. 

Grand Recorders of Separate Beneficiary Jurisdictions. 

5. The Grand Recorder of each Grand Lodge set apart as 
a separate beneficiary jurisdiction shall make report in gross to 
the Supreme Recorder each month, of beneficiary moneys re- 
ceived and disbursed in his jurisdiction, and the Supreme 
Recorder shall make record of the same in the books of the 
Supreme Lodge. 

Art. VI, § 4, Sup. L. Const. 

6. Record Of certificate. It is the duty of the Grand Re- 
corder to keep a separate and distinct account with each Sub- 
ordinate Lodge in his jurisdiction, showing a full register of 
each certificate issued, and to whom, in said Lodge; and 
from the monthly reports of the Subordinate Lodges he shall 
keep a full record of the status of all certificates so issued. 

Sup. L. Const., Art. VIII, § 6. 

See Supreme Recorder, duties of. 

7. Grand Recorder, duties of. To return any Medical Examiner's cer- 
tificate irregularly made out to the Subordinate Lodge. 

See Beneficiary Certificate, par. 72. 


224 


GRAND RECORDER. 


8. It is the duty of the Grand Recorder, should there exist any irregu- 
larity in the certificate or application, or any evidence in his office affecting the 
risk, to. refer the same back to the Lodge, requesting examination or correction 
of the same. 

Penna. Revised Decisions , 27. 

9. It is the duty of the Grand Recorder to issue notices of assessments 
in time to insure their receipt by the Lodge on the first day of the month. 
Id ., 29. 

10. Note. — Notice issued by the Grand Recorder should bear date of the 
first secular day of the month. 

♦ 

11. . The Grand Recorder shall make record of all matters 
received from the Supreme Recorder in the books of the Grand 
Lodge, keeping such books in like manner and form as pre- 
scribed by the Supreme Lodge, and he shall in like manner 
thereafter keep a full record of all beneficiary certificates issued, 
and from the monthly statements of each Subordinate Lodge 
keep a full record of the status of all M. W. degree members in 
his jurisdiction. He shall, when acting in the capacity of Grand 
Recorder of a Grand Lodge under the immediate jurisdiction 
of the Supreme Lodge^ upon the receipt of official notice of 
the death of any M. W. degree member in good standing, im- 
mediately forward to the Supreme Recorder the notice thereof, 
attested by the seal of the Grand Lodge, and accompanied by 
the application and Medical Examiner’s report of the deceased. 
He shall, upon official notice from the Supreme Recorder order- 
ing assessments for the beneficiary fund, immediately proceed 
to assess on and collect from all M. W. degree members in his 
jurisdiction in like manner and form, and subject to the same 
laws, rules, and regulations as prescribed for and governing the 
assessing and collecting the beneficiary fund from Subordinate 
Lodges under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge. 

Clause 1, § 3, Art. VII, Sup . L. Const. 

12. Note . — These laws, rules, and regulations are found in Articles VI, VII, 
VIII, IX, X, principally, however, in Article VIII, Sup. L. Const. (Beneficiary 
Art.) 


GRAND RECORDER. 


225 


13- Grand Recorders of Grand Lodges under the immedi- 
ate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge shall make report, not 
later than the 15th of each month, to the Supreme Recorder, of 
all moneys received for the beneficiary fund, giving the name, 
number, location, and the amount paid by each Subordinate 
Lodge in his jurisdiction, and shall forward with said monthly 
report a draft, payable to the order of the Supreme Receiver, 
for the amount so shown by the statement. He shall also make 
report to the Supreme Recorder, on the 15th day of each month, 
of all Subordinate Lodges wherein the members are suspended 
under the provisions of Sec. 8 of beneficiary article governing 
Subordinate Lodges. 

Clause 2, § 3, Art. VII, Sup. L. Const. 

14. It is the duty of a Grand Recorder to send to each 
Subordinate Lodge in his jurisdiction one copy of the Supreme 
Recorder’s monthly statement. 

Art. VII, Sup. L. Const. 

Duties of Grand Recorders of all Grand Lodges under the Supreme 
Lodge. 

15. Statements of Grand Recorder. The Grand Recorder 
of each Grand Lodge shall, on or before the 15th day of each 
month, make a report to the Supreme Recorder of the number 
of beneficiary certificates in his jurisdiction in force on the first 
day of said month, together with the number issued, suspended 
and renewed since the date of the last report. He shall, also, 
transmit to the Supreme Recorder, on or before the 10th day of 
March of each year, a detailed statement up to the 1st day of 
March, of the total amount of beneficiary money received and 
paid out, and to whom; also the total amount paid out for other 
benevolent purposes; also a detailed statement of the account 
between the Grand Lodge and the Supreme Lodge of the gen- 
eral fund during the year. 

Law 16, App. to G. L. 

15 


226 


GRAND WATCHMAN*. 


GRAND TRUSTEES. 

i. At the institution of a Grand Lodge, three trustees 
may be elected, to serve for such term as the Grand Lodge shall 
determine. 

L. 6 , App. to G. L. 

Note . — In those Grand Lodges which meet annually, the term of office of 
Grand Trustees is fixed at three years. In those Grand Lodges where biennial 
sessions are held, the term of office of Grand Trustees is six years,’ in each case 
the term of one of the Grand Trustees expiring at each Grand Lodge session. 

2. Grand Trustees, duties of. The Grand Trustees have generally the 
charge and supervision of the funds which the Grand Lodge may direct to be 
loaned or otherwise invested; also of property of the Grand Lodge. Their du- 
ties are specifically regulated by each Grand Lodge in its constitution. 

Dig., 1st Ed , par. 149. 

3. Note . — Grand Trustees, duties of. The Grand Trustees have gener- 
ally the charge and supervision of the funds which the Grand Lodge may direct 
to be loaned or otherwise invested; also of property of the Grand Lodge. Their 
duties are specifically regulated by each Grand Lodge in its constitution. 

4. Trustees — Missouri. The trustees of the G. L. of Missouri, which 
meets biennially, are each elected for six years. 

Art. IV, § 1, Const. G. L. Mo. 

5. California. Corporate directors of the Grand Lodge are members 
thereof, and are entitled to all its privileges. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1880, p. 10. 

To the same effect, Ibid , p. 29. 

In Michigan the trustees are the Grand Lodge officers ex-officio. They are 
a corporate governing body. The P. G. M. W. is made an advisory member of 
the board of trustees. 

GRAND WATCHMAN. 

1. The Grand Watchman is an elective officer of the Grand Lodge. 

2. New York. The constitution of the Grand Lodge authorized the elec- 
tion by the Grand Lodge of a Grand Inside Watchman and Grand Outside 
Watchman. 

3. Note . — Duties of. The duties of this officer are such as are enjoined 
by the laws, rules and regulations of the Order, and as may be prescribed by the 
different Grand Lodges in conformity with the same. 


GRAND LODGES— INCORPORATION OF 


227 


4- Representatives to Supreme Lodge. Each Grand 
Lodge shall be entitled to three representatives in the Supreme 
Lodge. 

Art. II, § 2, Sup. L . Const. 

5. Representatives to the Supreme Lodge. Three rep- 
resentatives to the Supreme Lodge shall be elected at the same 
time in accordance with the Supreme Lodge constitution, to 
serve until the next regular election ; ]at which time, and at each 
succeeding regular election thereafter, representatives shall be 
elected to serve one year. Past Grand Master Workmen only 
are eligible to election as Supreme representatives. Grand Re- 
corders who have served as such for two consecutive years 
shall be entitled to all the honors and prerogatives of Past 
Grand Master Workmen, provided their respective Grand 
Lodges may have so determined by a two-thirds vote. 

L. 7, App to G. L. 

6. Representatives to Supreme Lodge are officers of Grand Lodges. 

Representatives to the Supreme Lodge are officers of the Grand Lodge from 
which they are sent, and are entitled to mileage and per diem as other Grand 
Lodge officers while attending the meetings of their Grand Lodge. 

Pro. /\th Ann. Sess. S. Z., p. 216. 

7. Representatives to Supreme Lodge are officers of Grand Lodge. 

Minnesota , Const. G. Z., Art. II, § 1. 

. Illinois, Const. G. L., Art. II and Art. IV, § 1. 

8 . As to the power of Grand Lodges in passing or amending laws, the 
constitution of a Grand Lodge, or the constitution of Subordinate Lodges. 

See title Amendment. 

Law 17, App. to G. L. 

Law 18, App. to G. L. 

GRAND LODGES— INCORPORATION OF. 

1. Grand Lodges— Incorporation of. Grand Lodges of the 
A. O. U. W. shall not become incorporated under the laws of 
their respective States, nor shall they permit their Subordinate 


228 


GRAND LODGES— POWERS OF. 


Lodges to be incorporated unless the articles of incorporation 
have been presented to the Supreme Master Workman and been 
approved by him. 

Law 26, App. to G. L. 

See title Incorporation. 

GRAND LODGES— POWERS OF. 

1. Grand Lodges as separate beneficiary jurisdictions. “ When a 
Grand Lodge shall have under its jurisdiction two thousand M. W. degree 
members in good standing, such Grand Lodge may petition the Supreme Lodge 
to be set apart as a separate beneficiary jurisdiction, with power to collect and 
disburse, within itself, the beneficiary fund subject to and in accordance with the 
general laws and regulations of the Supreme Lodge, which petition so made 
may be granted by a majority vote of the Supreme Lodge, at an annual meeting. 
Whenever any Grand Lodge shall have three thousand members in good stand- 
ing, the Supreme Master Workman shall declare such Grand Lodge to be a sep- 
arate beneficiary jurisdiction, with the same powers as beneficiary jurisdictions 
set apart upon petition. Provided, however, that no Grand Lodge shall be set 
apart as a separate beneficiary jurisdiction unless the combined number of M. 
W. degree members in good standing still remaining under the jurisdiction of 
the Supreme Lodge shall be not less than three thousand, and provided fur- 
ther that such Grand Lodge so set apart shall fully comply with the following 
specified conditions.” 

This amendment shall take effect from and after September, 1st, 1883. 

Art. VI, Sup. L. Const., (Beneficiary Article, governing Grand Lodges 
which collect and disburse the beneficiary fund as separate juris- 
dictions.) 

2. A note contained in the Digest , 1st Ed., par. 175, was as follows : — 

“ The use of the term ‘ separate jurisdiction’ may convey an erroneous im- 
pression if the article of the constitution in which it is used is not somewhat 
carefully considered. The Order is a unit — no part of it is really separate from 
any other part. The same principles and general laws, rules and regulations are 
in force throughout the entire Order. The only separation which takes place is 
in the beneficiary fund, which, in a Grand Lodge, ‘set apart as a separate bene- 
ficiary jurisdiction,’ is collected and disbursed in such jurisdiction, and is applied 
only to the death losses occurring therein ; but this collection and disbursement 
is subject to, and is to be made ‘ in accordance with the general laws, rules, and 
regulations of the Supreme Lodge.’ (See Sup. L. Const., Art. VI, 1st para- 
graph.) Grand Lodges under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge, 
and those set apart as separate beneficiary jurisdictions, are therefore governed 
by the same general laws, and are subject to the same rules, regulations, and 


229 


GRAND LODGES— POWERS OF. 


restrictions, except that in one case the beneficiary fund is forwarded to the Su- 
preme Recorder, and is applied to the payment of death losses occurring in the 
membership under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge, and in the 
other it is retained and disbursed in the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge. The 
unity of the Order is further shown in the fact that if the membership under a 
Grand Lodge set apart as a separate beneficiary jurisdiction becomes reduced to 
less than 2,000, it reverts back to the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme 
Lodge, which latter body becomes responsible for the payment of all death losses 
occurring thereafter in the membership under the jurisdiction of such Grand 
Lodge.” 

Since 1879, when the foregoing “ Digest” was published, the law has under- 
gone substantial changes, such changes, however, having left entirely unaffected 
the principles upon which the Order is founded. 

On the one hand, exercise of the broad powers of the Supreme Lodge as ex- 
pressed in Article IV, of the constitution have been measurably relinquished, 
and the flexibility of the laws governing Grand Lodges has been correspond- 
ingly increased. 

In the management of their beneficiary affairs, separate jurisdictions are no 
longer held bound to pursue, in detail, the plan of assessment, collection or dis- 
bursement followed by the Supreme Lodge, but are given extensive powers of 
self-government therein, subject only to the limitations imposed by the constitu- 
tion. These changes primarily arose from the fact that the beneficiary article of 
the Supreme Lodge was found imperfect, or in contravention of statute law 
when tested in the courts of some separate jurisdiction, while in others no such 
objections were made against it. In order to obviate these adverse exceptions 
and to allow the adoption of beneficiary laws better fitted to satisfy various local 
requirements, the Supreme Lodge, in 1882, gave to separate beneficiary juris- 
dictions the powers specified in Article VI, § 3, Sup. L. Cottst., as follows : 

Each Grand Lodge set apart as a beneficiary jurisdiction shall manage within 
itself the beneficiary department, assessing, collecting, and disbursing the bene- 
ficiary fund, in accordance with and governed by the general laws and usages 
prescribed by the Supreme Lodge to Subordinate Lodges under its immediate 
jurisdiction, and no alteration or amendment to such laws or usages shall be 
made except by the Supreme Lodge. Provided, however, that Grand Lodges so 
set apart may make such alterations or changes in their general laws and usages, 
not contravening the fundamental principles thereof, as may from time to time 
be adopted by a two-thirds vote of the Grand Lodge, and as shall thereafter be 
approved by the Supreme Lodge in session, or by its Committee on Laws 
and Supervision and Supreme Master Workman during the recess of the Su- 
preme Lodge, attention being called specially to the changes or alterations pro- 
posed. 


§ 3, Art. VI, Const. Sup. L. 


230 


GRAND LODGES— POWERS OF. 


Other powers have from time to time been given to Grand Lodges or separate 
jurisdictions, but as these have been gradually conferred, so the functions of the 
Supreme Lodge have also been developed and more clearly expressed. These 
two effects have been caused concurrently and harmoniously While the plan of 
separate beneficiary jurisdiction has been enlarged and given more freedom of 
action, the authority of the Supreme Lodge has, at the same time, been declared 
upon the line of general and fundamental principles from which the Order 
sprang, and without which it cannot exist. 

It will be observed that the right to a separate beneficiary jurisdiction is de- 
pendent upon certain precedent conditions set forth in Article VI, § i, of the 
Sup. L. Const , and which are as follows : 

Said Grand Lodge shall be responsible for, and shall pay all assessments of 
the beneficiary fund made on deaths occurring on or before the date of separa- 
tion ; and all losses occurring in the jurisdiction of said Grand Lodge up to and 
including said date shall be paid by the Supreme Lodge. 

§ i, Art. VI, Sup. L. Const. 

Said Grand Lodge shall not receive or be entitled to any surplus moneys that 
may be in the beneficiary fund of the Supreme Lodge after settlement has been 
made of losses occurring prior to the date of separation. 

Art. VI, § i, Sub. 2. 

The Grand Recorder of each Grand Lodge so set apart shall make report in 
gross to the Supreme Recorder each month of beneficiary moneys received and 
disbursed in his jurisdiction, and the Supreme Recorder shall make record of 
the same in the books of the Supreme Lodge. 

Art. VI, § i, Sub. 4. 

Should any Grand Lodge, set apart as a separate beneficiary jurisdiction, be, 
from any cause, reduced to less than two thousand members, it shall immedi- 
ately come under the control of the Supreme Lodge, and the members in said 
jurisdiction shall have the same privilege and benefits, and be subject to the 
same duties and liabilities to the Supreme Lodge as if said Grand Lodge had 
never been set apart as a separate jurisdiction for the collection and disbursement 
of the beneficiary fund; and said Grand Lodge shall collect, pay over and dis- 
burse all moneys in the same manner as required before it was set apart as a 

separate jurisdiction, or as the law requires for Grand Lodges that have never 

■ 

been set apart as a separate jurisdiction. 

Art. VI, § 1, Sub. 5. 

Note . — In carrying into effect the above constitutional provision, in the case 
of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, it was decided, at a conference of the Supreme 


231 


GRAND LODGES— POWERS OF. 


Master Workman and other Supreme Lodge officers with the officers of the 
Grand Lodge, that the date at which the membership under the jurisdiction of 
the Grand Lodge was reduced to less than 2,000 should be taken as the date at 
which the Grand Lodge ceased to exist as a separate beneficiary jurisdiction ; 
that all death losses occurring after such date should be assumed by the Supreme 
Lodge, and that the membership in Ohio would be liable to assessments on them 
in connection with the other membership under the immediate jurisdiction of 
the Supreme Lodge. In regard to the death losses which occurred previous to 
that date, and which remained unsettled, it was decided that the membership in 
Ohio as a separate jurisdiction was responsible to the amount of one dollar for 
each member on each death, which amount the Grand Lodge should assess and 
collect in the same manner and under the same rules and regulations as before 
the change, and that any deficiency in the full amount of $2,000 on each death 
loss should be assumed and met by the Supreme Lodge. It was held by the 
Supreme Master Workman, in this case, that as all beneficiary certificates, 
whether issued by a separate jurisdiction or directly by the Supreme Lodge, are 
issued by authority of the Supreme Lodge {Sup. L. Const., Art. VIII, Sec 4), 
and that no member can lawfully be required to pay more than one dollar on any 
one death loss; therefore, any deficiency in the full amount of $2,000, caused by 
a lack of membership in a separate jurisdiction, must be assumed and paid by 
the Supreme Lodge. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 186. 

* 

Each Grand Lodge, set apart as hereinbefore provided, may enact laws and 
regulations providing for the creating and disbursing of an increase of the bene- 
ficiary fund; provided, such increase shall form a separate and distinct fund, and 
shall in no manner affect the beneficiary fund as it now exists; and provided 
further, that such laws and regulations shall be submitted to, and receive the 
approval of, the Supreme Lodge. 

Art. VI, Sub. 6. 

Grand Lodges set apart as separate beneficiary jurisdictions may provide for a 
sinking or relief fund, in such manner as they may deem proper, but such sink- 
ing or relief fund shall not in any of its provisions conflict with or delay the pay- 
ment of the benefit due on the beneficiary certificate of a deceased member. 

Art VI, Sub. 7. 

“ It will thus be seen that these provisions do not contemplate independent 
jurisdictions, but to avoid the risk attending the accumulation of so large a sum of 
money as would result if all assessments were paid to the same officer, and in 
order that the more healthful States and communities may, as far as possible, 
enjoy this advantage, and those living in less favorable localities may bear their 


l 


232 


GRAND LODGES— POWERS OF. 


own burdens as far as practicable, separate beneficiary jurisdictions are provided 
for; that is, jurisdictions ‘set apart from a number for a particular service/ 

This arrangement may be likened to the government of the United States. The 

« 

different State governments are separate and distinct, for certain purposes, and 
possess certain powers, but to the general government is reserved the power, 
and it exercises the right to prescribe laws for the preservation of the national 
existence, and for the protection of the rights of all the people and of every in- 
dividual citizen. 

“ The provisions contained in Article VI, above mentioned, must be regarded 
as wise and salutary. When properly understood, they give to our Order largely 
the advantage over similar institutions; for, while the Supreme Lodge reserves 

the right to do that which may be necessary to protect and defend the whole 

\ • 

Order, and every individual member, from casualties which may occur involving 
the very, existence of the Order in some locality, and destroying the benefit to 
which the individual is entitled, there are preserved all the advantages which 
ought to result to particular localities from separate action, so that, under or- 
dinary circumstances, each jurisdiction is secured in the advantage accruing from 
such separation.” 

Sup. Master Workman’ s Report. 

Pro. Sup. L . , 1880, p. 172. 

“ In Section 1, Article IV, it is declared that the Supreme Lodge, when proper- 
ly convened, * has original and exclusive jurisdiction over all subjects pertaining 
to the welfare of the Order,’ and that ‘ under these restrictions,' that is to say, 

* when convened agreeably to the provisions of this constitution,’ it may ‘do all 
things right and proper for the promotion of the honor, dignity, and welfare of 
the Order.’ ” 

Stronger and more specific language could hardly be used. The Supreme 
Lodge may do any and everything which it may deem right and proper for the 
promotion of the honor, dignity, and welfare of the Order. It is the sole judge 
of what the honor, dignity, and welfare of the Order may require, and it may 
do that which, in its opinion, is thus required. There is no power to reverse its 
action. Its decisions are final and conclusive. No authority but itself can re- 
consider or undo what it has done. That this is so seems so plain that argument 
is unnecessary. And this is, in the very nature of our institution, a necessity. 
The organization must have a head, a controlling power, a chief executive and 
legislative body, whose acts and decisions are final and conclusive, otherwise con- 
flicts and discords innumerable would result, and our form of government be 
mere child’s play, indeed, a mockery, affording no protection whatever to its 
members. — Id., p , 174. 

S. M. W. Report. 

Pro. Sup. L. Sth Ann. Sess., p. 174. 




GRAND LODGES— POWERS OF. 


233 


So much has been quoted from a circular used by the Supreme Master Work- 
man to the Order at large and contained in his report, as above cited, to show 
the causes and development of the principles which in more recent years have 
controlled the legislation of the Supreme Lodge ; while the concessions of leg- 
islative powers made by the Supreme Lodge to Grand Lodges forming separate 
jurisdictions have been numerous and important, yet, on the other hand, the 
emergency caused in 1878, by a severe epidemic, in the beneficiary jurisdictions 
of the Supreme Lodge and Tennessee, and which involved the honor, dignity, 
and welfare of the Order in the eyes of the world, brought into operation another 
principle of the fundamental law which tends to the unification of the Order far 
more strongly than the changes of the law relative to separate jurisdictions 
have tended to its disintegration. 

Following the distinction laid down in the extracts above quoted, the Supreme 
Lodge has, in the main, recognized the field of its own action to be properly in 
the government and regulation of the Order as an Order, leaving to Grand 
Lodges the control of those details which affect no member of the Order beyond 
its own limits, and which are necessary to preserve the individual rights of its 
membership. 

The most important step toward making the Order a unit upon its fundamen- 
tal principles (while preserving the advantages secured by separate beneficiary 
jurisdictions) was the adoption of a “ relief law ” by which the relief pledges of 
the Order to pay its beneficiary sum of $2,000 were guaranteed and assured. 

This relief law (Art. IX, Sup. L. Const.') has already gained the general ap- 
proval of the Grand Lodges, and when guided by experience, the Supreme Lodge 
shall have improved its provisions so that its benefits shall be “ bestowed with 
certainty, regularity, and promptness,” and also in accordance with equitable 
principles, as between the various jurisdictions, then the unity and perpetuity of 
the A. O. U. W. as an Order, will be secured, while, so far as consistent with 
this result, the various Grand Lodges within the brotherhood will have the largest 
possible liberty of action. 

3. All the steps necessary to be taken when a Grand Lodge is formed, 
in order to equip it for carrying on the beneficiary and other business of the or- 
ganization will be found enumerated among the duties of the Supreme Recorder. 

See title Supreme Recorder. 

Art. VII, Sup. L. Const. 

4. Beneficiary article governing Grand Lodges under 
the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge. When a 
Grand Lodge has been formed in accordance with the provisions 
of this constitution, and so long as it shall act under a charter 


234 


GRAND LODGES — POWERS^OF. 


granted by the Supreme Lodge, it shall be lawful for such Grand 
Lodge to issue beneficiary certificates to members of the Sub- 
ordinate Lodges in its jurisdiction, in like manner and subject 
to the same laws, rules, and regulations as those prescribed for 
and governing the Supreme Lodge ; and the collection and dis- 
bursement of the beneficiary fund, in such jurisdiction, shall be 
in accordance with the following rules and regulations : — 

Art. VII, § i, Sup. L. Const. 

Immediately upon the formation of a Grand Lodge, the Su- 
preme Recorder shall make out and deliver to the Grand Re- 
corder a full register by Lodges of all M. W. degree members 
under such Grand Lodge, showing the number in good standing 
as well as those suspended in each Subordinate Lodge. He 
shall transfer to the Grand Recorder the medical examiner’s 
reports and the applications upon which beneficiary certificates 
were issued. He shall also make out a full record of the officers 
of each Subordinate Lodge, and the amount of beneficiary fund 
received and disbursed by each Subordinate Lodge prior to 
such date. — § 2, Ibid. 

The Grand Recorder shall make record of all matters received 
from the Supreme Recorder in the books of the Grand Lodge ; 
keeping such books in like manner and form as prescribed by 
the Supreme Lodge, and he shall in like manner thereafter keep 
a full record of all beneficiary certificates issued, and from the 
monthly statements of each Subordinate Lodge keep a full 
record of the status of all M. W. degree members in his juris- 
diction. He shall, upon the receipt of official notice of the 
death of any M. W. degree member in good standing immedi- 
ately forward to the Supreme Recorder the notice thereof, at- 
tested by the seal of the Grand Lodge, and accompanied by the 
application and medical examiner’s report of the deceased. He 
shall, upon official notice from the Supreme Recorder ordering 
assessments for the beneficiary fund, immediately proceed to 
assess on and collect from all M. W. degree members in his ju- 
risdiction in like manner and form, and subject to the same laws, 


GUIDE. 


235 


rules, and regulations as prescribed for and governing the as- 
sessing and collecting the beneficiary fund from Subordinate 
Lodges under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge. 
He shall make report, not later than the 15th of each month to 
the Supreme Recorder of all moneys received for the benefi- 
ciary fund, giving the name, number, location, and the amount 
paid by each Subordinate Lodge in his jurisdiction, and shall 
forward with said monthly report a draft, payable to the order 
of the Supreme Receiver, for the amount so shown by the state- 
ment. He shall also make report to the Supreme Recorder on 
the 15th day of each month, of all Subordinate Lodges wherein 
the members are suspended under the provisions of Sec. 8 of 
beneficiary article governing Subordinate Lodges. — § 3, Ibid. 

The Supreme Recorder shall, upon receipt of official notice 
of death, issue assessment notices to Grand Lodges in like man- 
ner and form as to Subordinate Lodges under the immediate 
jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge. He shall adjust all losses, 
and in settlement thereof shall draw an order on the Supreme 
Receiver payable to the party entitled, and forward the same to 
the Recorder of the Subordinate Lodge of which the deceased 
was a member. He shall publish on or before the first day of 
each month a full statement, by Lodges, of all beneficiary funds 
received from each Grand Lodge, and forward to each Grand 
Recorder sufficient number to send each Subordinate Lodge in 
his jurisdiction one copy. The correctness of such statement 
shall be attested by the Supreme Lodge Finance Committee. — 
§ 4, Ibid. 

GRIEVANCES. 

See Committee Appeals and Grievances. 

Grievances between members. 

See Disputes. 

GUIDE. 

I. The Guide shall have charge of the regalia and other 
properties of the Lodge, and perform such other duties as per- 
tain to his office. 

Art. X, § 8, Sub. L. Const., 


236 


GUIDE. 


2. Duty of Guide. It is the duty of the Guide to see that all members 
are qualified to sit in the Lodge, and are clothed in appropriate regalia; that the 
Watchmen are in their proper places and duly instructed in their duties ; to pre- 
pare and conduct candidates and introduce visitors; and to have charge of the 
regalia and tools of the Lodge. 

Dig., i st Ed., par. 448. 

3. The duty of the Guide when the Subordinate Lodge ballots for a can- 
didate is set forth under the title, Ballot. 

See “ Ritual.” 

4. The Guide should take up the semi-annual pass-word and degree word 
when about to open the Lodge, and the degree word when about to open in the 
respective degrees, unless he is satisfied, in the latter case, that all present are 
qualified to sit in the Lodge. 

See Pass- Word. 

5. Note . — At the’ opening of the Lodge, the Guide first sees that the 
Lodge is properly guarded, after which he communicates to the Master Work- 
man the semi-annual and the degree pass-word, so that the presiding officer 
may know that he has them correctly. He then receives both words from each 
person in the Lodge-room, and makes his report to the Master Workman. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 588. 

6. Nevada. The Guide shall have charge of the regalia of the Lodge, and 
shall report to the M. W. any injury done to the same. 

He shall place the regalia for the use of the officers and members at the open- 
ing of the Lodge, and at its close carefully collect and replace it. 

He shall not lend or dispose of any article belonging to the Lodge for any 
purpose, or any occasion, without a vote of the Lodge to that effect. 

When directed by the Master Workman, he shall canvass all votes on motions 
and resolutions. 

He shall be the messenger of the Lodge during its meetings, and perform 
such other duties as may be required by the Lodge, and as pertain to his office. 

Art. X, § 8, Sub. L. Const., Nevada. 


H 


HAZARDOUS OCCUPATIONS. 

Among the trades the rate of mortality varies very much, but is greatest 
among brushmakers, scissor-grinders, miners, bakers, butchers, and saloon- 
keepers. 

At the age of 45 to 55 the general mortality in England is 18 per thousand, 
but, while of 

1000 farmers 12 die. 

1000 shoemakers 15 “ 

1000 blacksmiths, tailors, carpenters, and laborers 17 “ 

it is found that of 

1000 miners ... .20 die. 

1000 bakers 21 “ 

1000 butchers 23 “ 

1000 saloon-keepers 28 “ 

For these trades, without any reference to individual taint, an insurance com- 
pany would be justified in demanding a higher rate. 

Amongst saloon-keepers the mortality is so great that many persons interested 
in life insurance would exclude them from its benefits altogether. 

The occupation is, in itself, hazardous, and the constant temptation incident 
to it makes it still more so. 

I 

Pro . G. L. Oregon and Washington , 1883, p. 56. 

See Membership. 

Also Intoxicating Liquors, par. 6, 8, etc. 


HEIRS. 

See Beneficiary Certificate, par. 35, 36, etc. 


HOLIDAY. 

See Meetings — Sunday. 

1. Christmas. It is legal for a Lodge to meet on Christmas night and elect 
officers. 

Pro. G. L . Kansas , 1880, p. 11. 

2. National Holidays. Lodges may meet on National holidays, but not on 
Sundays. 

Dec. G. M. W., Pro. G. L. Ky., 1882 , p. 11. 


238 


HONORS 


HONORARY MEMBERS 

1. Are not known in the Order. 

See Membership. 

2. Honorary Members exempt from dues and receiving no beneficiary cer- 
tificate cannot be admitted. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1880 ,p. 168. 

HONORS. 

1. Transfer of membership. An officer of a Lodge having served a term 
is, upon transfer of membership to another Lodge, eligible as M. W. by reason 
of his former service. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1881 ,p. 269. 

2. A brother having served a term of office in any Lodge, and afterward 
joining another Lodge, is eligible to the office of Master Workman in said last 
Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1883,^. 12. 

3. Honors of Past Master Workman. 

See that title. 

4. If by sickness an officer is unable to fill his chair the majority of the 
nights of the term, he does not thereby forfeit the honors thereof. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1882,/. 13. 

5. Where an officer resigns his office before the expiration of his term, 
and another brother is elected and installed to fill the vacancy, the latter is en- 
titled to the honors. 

Pro. G. L. Kansas, 1886, p. 11. 


I 


ILLEGAL ADMISSIONS. 

1. At least two Grand Jurisdictions have enacted as follows : — 

“ A person gaining admission to the Order illegally shall be compelled to 
withdraw. • 

“ His Lodge may grant him a card setting forth the fact of his withdrawal, 
with the reason therefor, or it may expel him.” 

Laws Grand Lodges Cal. and Col., IV. M. and Ar. 

2 . Note. — It should be observed that the card above provided for is not the 
“ Final Card ” of the Order. 

See Membership. 


IMMORALITY. 

1. Members guilty of immorality shall be tried. 

2 . Immoral conduct at Supreme or Grand Lodge may be tried and deter- 
mined by these bodies respectively. 

Law 40 of Gen. Application. 

See Offenses and Trials. 

IMPEACHMENT. 

Impeachment of a Lodge. 

See Delinquent and Defunct Lodges, par. 1 and 4, etc. 

INCORPORATION. 

Incorporation of Supreme Lodge. 

See Supreme Lodge. 

1. Incorporation of Grand Lodges. Grand Lodges of the 
A. O. U. W. shall not become incorporated under the laws of 
their respective States, nor shall they permit their Subordinate 
Lodges to be incorporated unless the articles of incorporation 
have been presented to the Supreme Master Workman and been 
approved by him. 

L. 26, App. to G. L. 


240 


INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS— SUPREME LODGE 


The following Grand Lodges have been incorporated under the laws of their 
respective States : — 

Pennsylvania, March 9, 1871, by Act of General Assembly. 

Kentucky, February 11, 1873, by Act of General Assembly. 

New York, 1877, Amended 1878, by Act of the Legislature. 

Illinois, Dec. 3, 1875, by certificate under an Act approved April 18, 1875. 
Minnesota, by certificate filed under an Act authorizing incorporation of Grand 
Lodge, approved February 20, 1877. 

Michigari, January 7, 1878, by filing certificate under Act of April 3, 1869. 
California, August 14, 1878, by filing certificate under General Incorporation 
Act. 

Ontario, August n, 1879. 

Massachusetts,. February 9, 1883, by filing certificate under general laws. 
Kansas, April, 1879, by filing certificate as required by laws of the State. 

INCREASE OF BENEFICIARY FUND. 

See Degree of Honor. 

INDEFINITE SUSPENSION. 

See Suspended Members. Suspension. 

INITIATION. 

Fee on initiation. 

See Degree Fees, paragraph 24 to 44. 

Initiation. 

See Degree. 

1. The affirmation of a Quaker is as binding as an oath or declaration 
made by laying the ha.nd on the Bible. 

Pro. G. L. Maryland , IV. J. and Del., 1883,7). 17, 

INSANITY. 

See Beneficiary Certificate, Suspension, Etc. 

INSIDE WATCHMAN. 

See Watchman. 

INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS— SUPREME LODGE. 

1. The installation of officers is the first business in order after their 
election. The Senior Past Supreme Master Workman present (according to 
rank) officiates, using the prescribed form for installation as required by the 
Ritual of the Order. 


INSTALLATION— GRAND LODGE. 


241 


2. Note. — If any officer is not present at the time for installation, it is within 
the power of the Supreme Lodge to declare his office vacant, and proceed forth- 
with to fill the vacancy. 

INSTALLATION— GRAND LODGE. 

1. Installation and notice. The Supreme Master Work- 
man shall install, or cause to be installed, the officers elect of 
Grand Lodge and forward, or cause to be forwarded, to the 
Supreme Recorder a notice of the organization, and a list of 
the officers. 

L. 8, App. to G. L. 

2. Installation being in order and the Grand Watchman elect being absent, 
that office was declared vacant by the Grand Master Workman, and nominations 
thereto were declared in order. 

Pro. G. L. Ky., 1875, p. 30. 

See Ibid , 1874,^. 21. 

3. A Grand Receiver not having given bonds at the installation of other 
Grand Lodge officers was not installed with them, but after the adjournment of 
the Grand Lodge, having complied with the law in that respect, he was installed 
by a D. S. M. W. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1880, p. 31. 

Ibid , 1879 ,p. 51. 

4. A Grand Foreman elected in 1882, being unavoidably absent at the 
time of installation, it was resolved by the G. L. that certain P. G. M. W. and 
representatives install such Grand Foreman at another time, and at a place 
fixed by the resolution, and this was done accordingly. 

Ohio G. L. 1882 , pp. 48, 51, and G. L . Pro. 1883. 

5. A similar proceeding was authorized by the G. L. of Ohio in 1878, by 
reason of the necessary absence of a Grand Guide elect. 

Ohio G. L ., 1878 ,p. 63. 

6. Kentucky. All officers of the Grand Lodge are required to be installed 
immediately after election, except those required to give bonds. 

These are given fifteen days within which to qualify, and the G. M. W. shall 
install them, or cause them to be installed, by proper officers. 

Art VII, § 8, Const. G. L. Ky. 

Hi 


242 INSTALLATION OF SUBORDINATE LODGE OFFICERS 


INSTALLATION OF SUBORDINATE LODGE OFFICERS. 

i. Officers of the Lodge who have been duly elected shall 
be installed at the first stated meeting in the months of July 
and January, unless when a vacancy is filled or a Lodge insti- 
tuted, in which case the installation shall take place immedi- 
ately after the election or institution; and any officer who has 
been duly elected, and notified thereof, failing to present him- 
self for installation (unless prevented by sickness or other una- 
voidable occurrence), the office to which he has been elected 
may be declared vacant by the installing officer, and another 
election ordered forthwith to fill the vacancy. 

Art. IX, § r, Const. Sub. L. 

2. Note . — In Pennsylvania, officers are installed at the first stated meeting 
in June and December. In New York, at the first meeting in January, to serve 
during the year. 

3. Note . — It is the duty of an installing officer to see that the laws of the 
Order are conformed to with regard to the officers to be installed. Should it 
appear that a member elected to an office is ineligible to the same, or for any 
reason disqualfied from serving in it, it would be his duty to declare the office 
vacant and have an election ordered to fill the vacancy, as in the case of an 
officer elect failing to present himself. 

4. Note . — Installing officers represent in installation the authority of the 
Supreme or Grand Lodge. In Subordinate Lodges under the immediate juris- 
diction of the Supreme Lodge, the officers are installed by the Supreme Master 
Workman, or by a duly qualified brother deriving legal authority from him; and 
in Subordinate Lodges in Grand Lodge jurisdictions, the officers are installed by 
the Grand Master Workman, or by a member who derives legal authority from 
him. 

Dig-., 1st Ed., par. 394, 396. 

5. Installation in Subordinate Lodges under immediate jurisdiction of 
Supreme Lodge. In the absence of a Deputy Supreme Master Workman, the 
officers of a Subordinate Lodge, under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme 
Lodge, should be installed by the Past Master Workman of the Lodge. The 
Lodge should forward its per capita tax direct to the Supreme Recorder. The 
key to the S. A. P. W. is sent through the Recorder of the Lodge to the install- 
ing officer. 

Pro. S. L. *]th Ann. Sess ., p. 14. 


INSTALLATION OF SUBORDINATE LODGE OFFICERS. 243 




6. Public installations are not allowed until action of the Grand Lodge. 

7. Installation must be at stated meeting. Special meetings cannot 
be called to install officers. If the District Deputy Grand Master Workman 
cannot install the officers of all the Subordinate Lodges in his district, he can 
cause them to be installed by a Past Master Workman. 

8. Note . — The Subordinate Lodge constitution in all jurisdictions re- 
quires the installation of officers to take place at a specified stated meeting; but 
this provision can, however, be changed by the action of any Grand Lodge. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 399, 400. 

9. Public installations. Grand Lodges may adopt laws permitting public 
installations in their various jurisdictions under such provisions and requirements 
as said Grand Lodges may determine. 

Pro. Sup. L ., 1882. 

10. While the Supreme Lodge law permits public installation, none can 
be performed until authorized by law of the Grand Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1883, p. 12. 


11. California. And the Grand Lodge of California having adopted a law 
permitting public installations, the Grand Master Workman was authorized to 
omit and erase from the form of Installation those words and sentences not ap- 
plicable for public use, and to direct their omission when said ceremony should 
be used in public. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1883, p. 117. 

12. At the time of the installation of officers, the installing officers find- 
ing that all or any of the officers elected are not entitled to the office, he will 
order a new election to be held on the evening of installation. The installing 
officers will conduct the election and install the officers the same evening. 

Penna. Rev . Dec., 85. 

13. Subordinate Lodge officers must execute bonds before they are in- 
stalled. 

See Bonds, 

14. AD. D. G. M. W. refused to install an officer elect for the reason 
that such officer had been found guilty by a committee on charges, although the 
conviction had been appealed from. 

The action of the deputy was sustained. 

Pro. G. L. Ky., 1876, pp. 18, 28, 71. 


244 INSTALLATION OF SUBORDINATE LODGE OFFICERS. 


15. Officers who were absent from, or disqualified for installation at the 
regular meeting for installation, may be installed at a subsequent meeting by a 
D. D. G. M. W. without dispensation from the G. M. W. 

Pro. G. L. Or. and Wash. 

16. Officers are to be installed at the first stated meeting after election, 
or as soon as practicable. 

Art. IV, § 5, Sub. L. Const. 1 'enn. 

17. The D. D. G. M. W. should install officers if present. 

The Lodge Deputy has authority only in the absence of the D. D. G. M. W. 

Pro. G. L. Tenn ., 1878,/. 14. 

18. Any P. M. W. may install in the absence of the G. M. W. or 
Deputy. 

Pro. G. L. California , 1884, p. 58. 

19. California. Installing officers may refuse to install a Master Workman 
who has not perfected himself in the secret work, except only in case of a new 
Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1880, p. 96. 

20. The Foreman elect was charged with a revelation of the secret work, 
tried and acquitted. The judgment of acquittal was appealed from, and pend- 
ing the appeal, installation to office was refused him by the G. M. W. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1880,/. 28. 

21. All officers, whether elected to fill a vacancy or for regular term, must 
be installed. 

Pro . G. L. Ills., 1879, P • J 77 * 

22. Illinois. The Lodge Deputy is the proper installing officer, but in his 
absence any P. M. W. may act. — Id. 

23. The D. D. G. M. W., if present, should proceed with installation at 
the first meeting night in January, provided the officers are prepared pursuant to 
law. 

Otherwise he may defer it. 

Pro. G. L. Or. and Wash., 1881 , p. 11. 

24. Installation can, for good cause, be postponed until the next meeting. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1879, P' 183. 


INSURANCE 


245 


25. The Lodge Deputy must satisfy himself that officers are qualified and 
properly elected before installing them. — Ibid . 

26. Installation following a regular election must take place at a regular 
and not at a special meeting. 

N. Y, 1878. 

27. There is no law permitting the installation, at one and the same time 
and place, of officers of two different Lodges regularly meeting in different 
places. 

Pro. G. L. California , 1884, p . 57. 

28. No brother should be installed in any office, if, at the time he pre- 
sents himself for installation, he is suspended for non-payment of dues or as- 
sessments. 

He is not in good standing. 

Pro. G. Z. Kansas , 1882, p. 13. 

29. The Lodge is the judge in the first instance of what constitutes sick- 
ness or unavoidable occurrence. 

N. Y., 1878. 


INSTALLING OFFICER. 

See Deputy, Etc. 

INSTITUTING OFFICER. 

See Deputy, Etc. 

INSTITUTION OF NEW LODGE. 

See New Lodges, 

INSURANCE. 

1. The word insurance should not be printed in official returns or , papers. 
[Pro. *]th Ann. Sess. Sup. L.,p. 150.] 

See Objects, Etc. 

2. Certificate not contract of insurance. Where a be- 
nevolent society, organized under the general law, provides by 
its constitution that upon the death of a member of the society 
each member thereof shall pay into the treasury of the society 
one dollar, and that the sum thus realized shall be paid to the 


246 


INSURANCE. 


widow or minor children of the deceased member, the rights 
acquired by a person who becomes a member of the society 
while such a constitution is in force does not constitute a con- 
tract of insurance on his life by the society, and in favor of the 
then wife of the member, under the statutes (Laws 1840, ch. 
80; 1858, ch. 187) empowering a wife to insure the life of her 
husband, and the constitution of the society may afterwards be 
changed so as to make the sum payable to any person desig- 
nated by the member in his life-time, and the person so desig- 
nated will then be entitled to the exclusion of the widow. 

Durian vs. Central Verein of the Hermann’s Soehnne, 7 Daly , 168. 

3. Insurance company. Where the purpose and object of 
a life insurance company is the collection of assessments from 
living members to pay the beneficiary of a deceased member, it 
is a company “ organized on the co-operative plan,” and is ex- 
cepted from the provision of the statute creating the insurance 
department, and this characteristic of the company is not 
changed by the fact that it requires of each member a deposit 
as a guaranty of his payment of the assessments when made, 
the interest on such deposit being applied to the payment of 
assessments. 

State vs. Banker’s etc., Mut. Benefit Ass’n, 23 Kans., 499. 

4. Association held insurance company. Though the 
amount payable is not a gross sum, but graduated by the num- 
ber of persons in a given class at the time of the death of the 
insured, and though there is no means of compelling the pay- 
ment of the assessment made upon the death, and though the 
insurer is not liable for the amount actually collected from 
members upon happening of the loss, the agreement may be a 
real contract of insurance where there is a payment of consid- 
eration by one, and a promise by the other, to pay upon happen- 
ing of the loss, and where the main object of the existence of 
the company making such contracts is to do such insuring, it is 
doing an insurance business within the meaning of the statute. 


INTOXICATING LIQUORS. 


247 


A corporation with salaried officers, paying commissions on 
risks obtained, insuring and admitting to membership any one 
having the requisite conditions of age and health, and requiring 
no other qualification for membership, cannot evade the insur- 
ance laws by calling itself a benevolent society, and obtaining 
a charter as such. 

State vs. Citizens’ Benefit Association, 6 Mo. Appeals , 163. 

5. Insurance. If a benevolent society, whose by-laws pro- 
vide for the payment of a weekly allowance to a sick member 
upon the performance of certain conditions by him, refuses to 
fulfill its contract, the member injured thereby may maintain an 
action at law against it, if the by-laws of the society make no 
provision for a tribunal to decide questions arising between the 
society and its members. 

There is no discretion in the officers, or in any tribunal pro- 
vided by the by-laws, but the member is absolutely entitled to 
the allowance, and there exists a simple duty on the part of the 
society to pay it to him, and there is an implied contract founded 
upon the consideration of the payment by the member of his 
dues. The corporation is not a mere charitable society, but is 
rather in the nature of an association for the mutual insurance 
of its members against sickness or accident. 

Dolan vs. Court Good Samaritan, 128 Mass., 437. 

INTOXICATING LIQUORS. 

1. A candidate appearing for initiation in a state of intoxication should be 
ejected. 

2. Missouri — Malt or distilled liquors, penalty. Any Lodge in this 
Grand jurisdiction which shall knowingly receive, or retain in its body, any man 
who daily or habitually uses malt or distilled liquors to excess, shall, on satis- 
factory proof of same, be deprived of its charter by the Grand Lodge, or Grand 
Master, when the Grand Lodge is not in session. 

Pro. G. L. Mo., 1879,/. 37 • 

3. Missouri — Liquor or opium, penalty. Any member, examining phy- 
sician, or examining committee, who shall knowingly recommend for member- 


348 


INTOXICATING LIQUORS. 


ship in this Order any person who is an habitual drunkard, opium-eater, or who 
is addicted to any vicious habits that will impair his mental or physical constitu- 
tion, shall, for the first offense, be suspended from all the benefits of the Order 
for a term of three months; and for the second offense — may be forever — shall 
be suspended, for a term of not less than one year, from all rights, benefits and 
privileges of this Order. 

Pro. Mo. Grand Lodge. 1878,//. 27, 28. 

4. Missouri — Liquor or opium, duty of G. M. It shall be the duty of the 
Grand Master, when it becomes known to him that a Subordinate Lodge has 
received or is retaining members in its body who are habitual drunkards, opium- 
eaters, or possess any habit which impairs the mental or physical constitution, to 
issue a citation to such Lodge to show cause why its charter should not be sus- 
pended, and, if the Lodge shall fail to recognize such citation, its charter shall 
be suspended. 

Pro. G. L. Mo., 1878, pp. 27, 28. 

5. Missouri — Duty of Deputy G. M. It shall be the duty of the D. D. 
G. M. W. to visit, under direction of the G. M. W., all Lodges in their respec- 
tive districts, and ascertain if any of them are failing to enforce the laws of this 
Grand body against the excessive use of intoxicants, and, finding such to be the 
case, to report the same to the Grand Master Workman, who shall at once pro- 
ceed to enforce the law in the case. 

Pro. G. L. Mo., 1879,/. 37 * 

6. Missouri — Saloon-keepers cannot join our Order. At the 1880 Grand 
Lodge session a provision was inserted in the Medical Examiner’s certificate 
which prevents it. While there are many estimable men, sober, industrious, 
and in every way worthy of respect, who are saloon-keepers, yet experience 
proves that the great majority of them give way to drink, and thereby become 
bad insurable risks. 

Seep. 53, Const., etc., Mo., Appendix Ed., 1882. 

7. Missouri — Any member of the Order in this jurisdiction who engages 
in the business of saloon-keeper or bar-tender does so in violation of this law, 
and it is the duty of any Lodge having a member so offending to proceed against 
him at once and suspend him from all benefits and privileges in the Order. 

Pro. G. L. Mo., 1882, pp. 24, 124. 

8. A saloon-keeper applying for membership was reported favorably by 
the Lodge Medical Examiner, and by the investigating committee, as a man of 
sober habits, but was rejected by the Grand Medical Examiner. 

Held properly so. 

Pro. G. L. Maryland, N. J. and Del., 1883, pp. 65, 81. 


INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE. 


249 


9. Kentucky. A bar-keeper of good character is eligible to membership. 

Pro . G. L. Ky ., 1879/. 57. 

10. Where an applicant for membership gave his occupation as carpenter, 
although having been a saloon-keeper four or five years, such occupation was 
not correctly stated. The application must show the fact. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1884, p. 66. 

11. Expulsion of a drunkard. It is not only the right but the duty of the 
Lodge to expel a member who becomes an habitual drunkard. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1884, p. 668. 

12. Intoxicating liquors prohibited at banquets, etc. No Supreme, 
Grand or Subordinate Lodge of this Order shall, at the institution of a Lodge, 
or any public entertainment or banquet, set upon the table, or cause to be used, 
any intoxicating liquors. 

Pro. 1 st Ann. Sess. S . Z., p. 12. 

13. Intoxication is an offense which may be followed by expulsion. 

See Offense, par. 14. 

Trial, par. 55, 56. 

INTEMPERANCE. 

1. A member can be punished for intemperance, and grossly immoral con- 
duct, to the extent of expulsion from the Order. 

Pro. G. Z. Wis. , 1882,/. 15. 

2. Members to be temperate in all things. The fundamental rules of this 
Order require its members to be temperate in all things. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1878. 

INVENTORY. 

1. The trustees of a Subordinate Lodge are required to make an inven- 
tory of all properties of the Lodge at the close of each term. 

Art. X, § 10, Sub. L. Const. 

See Trustees. 

INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE. 

1. The application shall be read at a stated meeting of the Lodge, entered 
on the minutes, and referred to a committee of three, whose duty it shall be to 
inquire and report at the next stated meeting of the Lodge as to the character 
and fitness of the applicant to become a member. 

Sub. Z. Const., Art, II, § 2. 


250 


INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE. 


2. Note. — In some jurisdictions the report of the committee of investiga- 
tion is to be made at the second stated meeting after the application is read, in- 
stead of at the first. By general usage, the Lodge can grant the committee fur- 
ther time to report, if it be asked for and sufficient reasons given. 

3. A brother who recommends an applicant for membership should not 
be one of the committee of investigation in the application. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 45. 

4. A majority of the committee of investigation can report on an applica- 
tion. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 132. 

5. The committee of investigation must have placed in their hands both 
the application for membership and the physician’s certificate. They must each 
be satisfied as to the correctness of the signature to the application, and that the 
party therein named is the person designated in the physician’s certificate in 
their possession. They shall fully convince themselves from personal observa- 
tion and inquiry, both as to the moral standing and habits, before endorsing the 
application, and shall be fully satisfied with the recommendation of the physi- 
cian before endorsing the same. 

Penna.\Rev . Dec., 23. 

6. It is the duty of an investigating committee to see that all questions in 
the Medical Examiner’s report are properly answered. 

Pro. G. L. Penna., 1883, p. 23. 

7. Duties. The duties imposed upon the investigating committee are not 

less responsible than those of the Medical Examiner. It is the sacred and im- 
perative duty of the committee, not only to investigate the character and moral 
fitness of a candidate whose petition is referred to them, but also to examine his 
physical qualifications. • 

Pro. G. Z. Kansas, 1881, p. 18. 

Reports of investigating committees are too often merely formal and as a 
matter of course. Ibid. 

8. Those members who recommended the applicant are not eligible to ap- 
pointment on the investigating committee. 

Const. Sub. L. Nevada, Art. 2, § 3. 

9. The members recommending an applicant for membership should not 
be appointed on the investigating committee. 

See Art. IX, § 3, Const. Sub. L. N. Y. 


IRREGULAR ADMISSIONS. 


251 


10. Failure of the committee to report at the proper time does not au- 
thorize the Lodge to consider the application in committee of the whole. 

The duties of a committee of investigation cannot be performed as they should 
be by the Lodge in committee of the whole. 

It is competent for the Lodge either to extend their time or appoint a new 
committee. 

Pro . G. L. Minn., 1879, P > 39 - 

11. The report of a committee of investigation on an application is suffi- 
cient if signed by two of its members. If the third member submits a minority 
report, the Lodge will decide the question on the merits. 

Pro. G. L. Minnesota , 1879, p. 39. 

12. Committee resisting illegal dispensation. A brother presented his 
card for admission to membership, and a committee was appointed on the ap- 
plication. The Deputy Grand Master Workman granted a dispensation allow- 
ing the committee to report that night. The committee refused to report until 
the next regular meeting, whereupon the Lodge voted to fine the committee fifty 
cents each. The committee appealed from the action of the Lodge. The Grand 
Master Workman sustained the appeal, and his decision was approved by the 
Grand Lodge. 

Dig., 1 st Ed., par. 480. 

13. Unfavorable report. If the report of the committee 
be unfavorable, the candidate shall be declared rejected. 

Sub. Z. Const., Art. II, § 2. 

INVITA I IONS. 

1. Invitations, to accept by Supreme Lodge, requires a two-thirds vote. 

See Rules Supreme Lodge. 

IRREGULAR ADMISSIONS. 

See Illegal Admissions, par. 1 and 2. 


J. 

JEWELS— OFFICERS. 

See Badge, par. 6 and 7. 

JUDICIARY COMMITTEE. 

See Committee on Laws and Supervision. 

JUNIOR WORKMAN. 

1. Application by Junior Workman. Any Junior Work- 
man, of good standing in the Lodge, desirous of being advanced, 
shall cause an application to be made for his advancement at a 
stated meeting of the Lodge, when a ballot shall be taken, and 
if the balls be all white, or not more than two black balls shall 
appear, his application shall be granted ; if more than two black 
balls shall appear, his application shall be rejected, and another 
application shall not be entertained for the same member for 
the space of one month thereafter. 

Art. V, § 2, Sub. L Const. 

2. Note . — The above section of the constitution for Subordinate Lodges un- 
der the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge has been adopted by a 
majority of the Grand Lodges, but several others provide that after a ballot has 
been taken, showing one or more black balls, “ if one or more members rise and 
give satisfactory reasons to the Lodge why the applicant should not be advanced, 
another ballot shall be taken, and a majority of the balls are white, he shall be 
declared elected; otherwise his application shall be rejected.” 

3. The Ritual, in conformity with Section 2, of Article VIII, Supreme 
Lodge constitution, requires that application for the second degree should be 
made immediately after the first has been conferred. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 512. 

4. Ballot upon application. Grand Lodges possess the power to provide 
by their laws for but one ballot on applications for degree; that is, that the first 
ballot taken on applications will, if favorable, entitle the applicant to all degrees, 
unless a subsequent ballot is called for at the time the subsequent degree is to 
be conferred, when a ballot must be taken on the application for such degree. 

Pro. Sup. L., 6 th Ann. Sess. p. 401. 

This practice prevails in Minnesota and other jurisdictions. 


JUNIOR WORKMAN 


253 


5. Objection by member of sister Lodge. If a member of a sister Lodge 
objects to the advancement of a Junior Workman, the objection should be thor- 
oughly investigated by the Lodge to which J. W. belongs, and if the charge is 
based on valid grounds, the J. W. should not be advanced; but if, in the opinion 
of the Lodge, the objection is not based on sufficient grounds, the Lodge may 
confer the M. W. degree. 

Pro . G. L. Ills., 1884,/. 669. 

6. The application of a J. W. for advancement being rejected, he may 
renew the application once a month so long as he remains a J. W. in good 
standing. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1884, p. 669. 

7. Junior Workman degree members subject to order of Master Work- 
man. Junior Workman degree members are subject to the orders of the Master 
Workman in attending sick or disabled members, and are liable to a fine for neg- 
lect or failure to perform such duty. 

Pro. $th Ann. Sess. S. L., pp. 262, 305. 

8. Immoral conduct. Junior Workman degree members are amenable to 
the laws for immoral conduct the same as other members. — Ibid. 

9. May participate in processions, etc. Junior Workman degree mem 
bers are entitled to sit in their own Lodge, when open in the Junior Workman’s 
degree, and to participate with the Lodge in funeral and other processions. — Ibid. 

10. Entitled to relief. Junior Workman degree members are entitled to 
the same attention from the relief committee and membership as other members 
are in case of sickness or disability, and should receive pecuniary assistance 
when it is deemed necessary and is suggested by the relief committee. — Ibid. 

11. May decline advancement. There is no law to compel a J. W. to 
take the M. W. degree, and he is entitled to the benefits of the Lodge, and may 
sit with the Lodge in the J. W. degree provided he keep up his dues. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y. , 1882. 

But see following : 

12. Junior Workman may be dropped from roll. A Subordinate Lodge 
has the right to drop from its roll any J. W. degree member who shall neglect 
for a reasonable time after notice to make application for advancement, and to 
come forward and receive the M. W. degree. 

Pro. Sth Ann. Sess. Sup. L., 1880 ,p. 187. 


254 


JUNIOR WORKMAN. 


13. J. W. degree fee not refunded. A person who has received the J. W. 
degree and is refused advancement has no right to have the degree fee refunded. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 509. 

14. An applicant receiving the J. W. degree in one Lodge cannot be- 
come a member of another Lodge without the consent of the Lodge which con- 
ferred the degree, if it is still in existence. 

Pro. ith Ann. Sess. Sup. L., 1880,^. 189. 

15. L. H. presented a final card as a J. W. and claimed the benefit of the 
degree taken. The claim was allowed, reversing the decision of the G. M. W. 

Pro. G. L. III., pp, 286, 318. 

Note . — The above decision is undoubtedly erroneous, as none but M. W. de- 
gree members are entitled to a final card. 

§ 26, Laws of Gen. App. 

§ 13, Art. VIII, Sup. L . Const. 

16. The J. W. degree may be conferred on the same evening, when the 
ballot is taken therefor. 

Pro. G. L. Kans., 1883 , p. 8. 

17. A Junior Workman being prevented by sickness for some months 
from taking the M. W. degree, and in the meantime becoming fifty years of age, 
is rendered ineligible to receive the degree. 

Pro. G. L. Tenn., 1878, p. 13. 

18. The position of a Junior Workman, prevented by sickness from taking 
the M. W. degree until his arrival at fifty years of age finally precludes advance- 
ment, is one in which he pays all dues, etc., and gets no benefits. 

Pro. G. L. Tenn., 1878 , p. 13. 

19. Liable to expulsion. A J. W. degree member may be suspended or 
expelled for an offense the same as an M. W. 

Wis. G. L., 1879. 

20. Michigan — A J. W. failing to take the [M. W.] degree within three 
months from the date of his initiation must present a new medical examination 
to the Lodge with his application for advancement. 

Failure to take the M. W. degree within six months the member becomes in- 
eligible, the beneficiary certificate is annulled, and all moneys paid by the J. W. 
into the Lodge treasury are forfeited. 

Pro. G. L. Minn., 1880 ,pp. 18, 115. 


JUNIOR WORKMAN 


255 


21. When application for advancement of a J. W. is refused, he is not 
thereupon entitled to a return of the J. W. degree fee. 

Pro. G. L. Mich., 1881,/, 20. 

22. After waiting one month, a second unfavorable ballot defeats a J. W. 
and prevents his advancement. 

Pro. G. L. California , 1884, p, 58. 

23. If a Junior Workman is rejected upon application for the M. W. de- 
gree, he is entitled to have his application balloted for each month so long as he 
pays his dues and remains in good standing as a J. W. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1883 , p. 490. 

24. A Junior Workman degree member may be suspended. 

Pro. G. L. Tex., 1882, p. 9. 

25. A Junior Workman degree member is improperly admitted to mem- 
bership in another Lodge without a card. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1880,/. 169. 

Note. — No cards can be issued by a lodge except upon forms furnished by the 
Supreme Lodge, which can be used only for M. W. degree members. 

26. Charges may be preferred against a J. W. degree member, and he may 
be tried and expelled for not answering truthfully to questions in his medical 
examination. 

Pro. G. L. of Penna., 1883,/. 23. 

27. A Junior Workman degree member cannot receive his degree in any 
other Lodge than his own, except by written request of his own Lodge, under 
the seal. 8 th S. A. S. Pa. G. L. 

Penna. Rev. Dec.. 119. 

28. A J. W. degree member forfeiting his right to advancement must com- 
ply with the same law as a new applicant, but shall not pay for the J. W. degree 
which he* has received. 10 th A. S. Pa. G. L. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 172. 

29. A J. W. who has not presented himself for the M. W. degree for nearly 
three years forfeits his rights to advancements, and must comply with the same 
laws as a new applicant, but shall not pay for the J. W. degree. The Lodge 
must return his old certificate cancelled and get a new one; he not having ac- 
quired any rights to the original certificate would not have any right to direct a 
change. 


Penna. Rev. Dec., 210. 


256 


JURISDICTION 


30. A J. W. degree member failing to present himself for the M. W. de- 
gree in proper time must be re-examined, and subject to the same requirements 
as a new applicant, but shall not be liable for the J. W. degree fee. 10 th A. S. 
Id ., 180 

31. When Junior Workmen are suspended or expelled from the Lodge, 
their beneficiary certificates must be returned to the Grand Recorder. Id ., 150. 

32. The beneficiary deposit of Junior Workmen who have been suspended 
or expelled from the Lodge must be sent to the Grand Recorder with the first 
call made on the beneficiary fund. Id., 15 1. 

33. A Lodge cannot erase from its roll of membership the names of 
Junior Workmen who have forfeited their rights to advancement and money 
paid to the Lodge, unless they have been suspended or expelled from the Lodge. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 149. 

34. Becoming fifty years of age. A Junior Workman degree member 
arriving at the age of fifty years should not receive the Master Workman de- 
gree. 

Pro. Wis., G. L. 1882, p. 15. 

Pa. G. L ., 1883, p. 22. 

JURISDICTION. 

1. Tennessee. In Tennessee, under the general regulations adopted by the 
Grand Lodge, the territorial jurisdiction of Lodges extends half way in all direc- 
tions, in an air line, to the nearest Lodge. 

Regulation 13, G. L . Tenn. 

2. In localities where more than one Lodge exists they have concurrent 
jurisdiction. Reg. 9. 

3. Applications for membership must be made in the Lodge nearest the resi- 
dence of the applicant, unless consent of such nearest Lodge is obtained, but 
applicants residing more than ten miles from any Lodge may petition any Lodge 
at their option. Reg. 12. 

Lodges having concurrent jurisdiction are to be notified of all applications 
and rejections. Reg. n. 

4. Lodges cannot be organized within three miles of an existing Lodge 
without consent of the said Lodge, by a two-thirds vote of its members present, 
nor in a locality where Lodges exist having concurrent jurisdiction, without the 
consent of a majority of such Lodges shown by such two-thirds vote of the 
members present. If there be an equal division of Lodges on the question, the 
D. G. M. W. decides, subject to appeal to the G. L., or, in vacation, to the G. M. 
W. Reg. 9. 


KNIGHTS— SELECT 


257 


5. Several Lodges are ready to be instituted in the same city at the same 
time, but when the instituting officer arrives, the institution of one is casually 
prevented. A few days thereafter it is ready and the D. D. G. M. W. is called 
upon to institute it. Held that the assent of a majority of the Lodges was 
necessary to its institution under the Grand Lodge regulations, no exception to 
the rule there laid down being contemplated. 

Pro. G. L. Tenn., 1878, p. 13. 

See Residence. 

JURISPRUDENCE, COMMITTEE ON. 

See Committee on Laws and Supervision. 


K. 

KEY. 

See Password. Ritual. 

KNIGHTS, SELECT. 


See Select Knights. 


L 


LANDS. 

1. Landsof Subordinate Lodges are under the general supervision of the 
trustees, who shall collect rents, etc. 

Art. X, § io, Sub. L. Const. 

See Trustees. 

2. The Supreme Lodge may hold land. 

See Supreme Lodge Act of Incorporation. 

Language, disorderly or offensive. 

See Lodge. 

LAWS AND LAW MAKING POWER. 

i. The adoption of laws and regulations of general application are within 
the powers of the Supreme Lodge. These laws and regulations are found, ist, 
in the constitution of the Supreme Lodge; 2d, in laws applicable to Grand 
Lodges; 3d, in laws of general application; 4th, in resolutions and decisions of 
the Supreme Lodge in its capacity of head of the Order. The general authority 
of the Supreme Lodge is more fully considered in the titles Supreme Lodge 
and Grand Lodge, which see. 

LAWS OF GRAND LODGE. 

1. Legislative business, etc. Grand Lodges have the right 
to transact their legislative business upon a representative basis, 
and may confer upon their elective officers the privilege of 
speaking and voting upon all questions that may arise. 

L. 11, App. to G. L. 

2. Grand Lodges may adopt constitutions and by-laws for 
their government, not inconsistent with the constitution and 
general laws of the Supreme Lodge; provided such constitu- 
tion shall be in force when approved by the Supreme Master 
Workman, unless disapproved by the Supreme Lodge. 

Part of Law 17, App. to G. L. 


1 


LIBRARY FUND. 


259 


3. Grand Lodges shall have full control and authority over 
Subordinate Lodges, and must adopt for their government a 
uniform constitution and code of trials, provided they shall not 
conflict with the constitution of the Supreme Lodge, or the 
general laws adopted by the Supreme Lodge for the govern- 
ment of the Order. 

See Grand Lodges, powers of. 

LAWS OF SUBORDINATE LODGES. 

See By-Laws, Subordinate Lodge. 

LAWS AND SUPERVISION, COMMITTEE OF. 

See Committee of Laws and Supervision, par. 9, 13, 14, as to Su 
preme Lodge. 

LEGACY AND LEGATEES. 

See Beneficiary Certificate, par. 53 (Vollmann’s Appeal). 

LEGISLATION AND LEGISLATIVE POWERS. 

See Laws and Grand Lodge, Powers of. 

LIBRARY FUND. 

1. Prior to 1883 the sum of money received from a person holding a 
final card on readmission to membership, or on the reinstatement of a member 
who had been suspended more than six months, was appropriated to what was 
known as the library fund, which fund could be used for no other purpose than 
the establishing of a library for the use of the members of the Lodge, in ac- 
cordance with such rules and regulations as the Lodge might establish; or such 
sum might be ordered to be paid into the general fund, by a vote of the Lodge. 

Sup. L. Const., Art. VIII, § 13, as it stood prior to 1883. 

2. By an amendment adopted in 1883, all the money paid on reinstatement 
is placed elsewhere. See Reinstatement. The library fund is no longer 
known. 

3. Note . — As the maintenance of libraries for the improvement of the 
members is one of the objects of the Order, Subordinate Lodges have the right 
to appropriate money from their general fund to sustaining a library ; or they 
may set apart a specified amount of the dues of each term for that purpose, or 
adopt any other legitimate means for carrying out this important object. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 368. 


260 


LOST CERTIFICATE. 


LIMIT OF AGE. 

See Age, par. i to ig; Clearance Card, par. 43 to 45, etc. 

LODGE-ROOM, OR PLACE OF MEETING. 

1. A Lodge may meet on the first floor, provided the room is well guarded 
and kept secure; but holding of Lodge sessions on the ground floor is not to be 
commended. 

Pro. G. L. Mich., 1878, p. 23. 

2. Secrecy must be insured. It is permissible for Lodges to meet in an 
office, provided the rooms are located and arranged in such manner as to insure 
secrecy and permit the work of the Lodge to be properly performed. 

Ohio , G. M. W. Report , 1882. 

3. Illinois. No Lodge-room of any Subordinate Lodge under the jurisdic- 
tion of the Grand Lodge of Illinois shall be established, and no meeting of any 
Lodge shall be holden in a room where ardent spirits are sold or given away. 

And in no case shall the entrance to a Lodge be through any room or place 
where ardent spirits are sold or given away, under a penalty of forfeiture of its 
charter. 

By-laws G. L. Illinois , Art. II, § 9. 

4. There is no constitutional provision prohibiting a Lodge working in 
the English language from changing so as to work in German. 

G. L. of Ohio, 1880,/. 14. 

5. It was suggested by the G. M. W. in the above case, that the change 
should be made only on due notice to and by a two-thirds vote of the Subor- 
dinate Lodge members present and voting. — Id. 

LODGE. 

See respectively Supreme Lodge, Grand . Lodge, and Subordinate 
Lodge, New Lodge, Name, etc. 

LODGE MEETING. 

See Meeting. 

LODGE DEPUTY. 

See District Deputy Grand Master Workman. 

LOST CERTIFICATE. 

See Beneficiary System, par. 3 and 4. 


M 


MANDAMUS. 

1. A writ Of mandamus will be issued to compel an officer 
of a benevolent association having charge of the books thereof, 
and having a lien thereon for arrears of salary, to permit an in- 
spection of them, upon condition of their being returned to 
him after such inspection. 

In order to contest the officer’s right to retain, by such pro- 
ceedings, the relator should take an alternative writ. 

People ex rel. Aaronson vs. Schul, 8 Abb. N. C. t 342 (Spl. T. Sup. Ct.) 

2. (Michigan.) Under the laws of Michigan a writ of man- 
damus may be issued to compel the recognition of a member of 
one of the Lodges of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, 
incorporated, who has been suspended for refusing to pay an 
assessment made under the orders of the Supreme Lodge in- 
corporated under the laws of Kentucky. 

Lamphere vs. Grand Lodge United Workmen, 47 Mich., 429. 

3. The court will not interfere, by writ of mandamus, with 
the internal regulation of private corporations in the enforce- 
ment of their rules, unless under very peculiar circumstances of 
substantial wrong. 

Harguell vs. Lafayette Benev. Soc., 47 Mich., 648. 

4. Removal from office. A clause in a charter vesting the 
trustees with power to fill any vacancies occasioned by death 
or removal, refers, in the latter term, to a change of residence 
only, and does not confer the power of a motion. 

If the members of a corporation have the power of amotion, 
as incidental and inherent, they cannot exercise it, except for 
just cause. Disrespectful and contemptuous language towards 
his associates, and neglect of official duty in not acting in com- 
mittees, are not sufficient to justify on a motion. The place of a 
trustee in an eleemosynary corporation, though no endowments 


262 


MASTER WORKMAN. 


are attached to it, is yet a franchise of such a nature that a 
person improperly dispossessed of it is entitled to redress by 
suit of mandamus. 

Fuller vs. Plainfield Academic School, 6 Conn., 533. 

5. Reinstatement mandamus not proper remedy. As a 

mandamus to reinstate a person in an office only lies where the 
office and its tenure are of a permanent nature, it is not an 
available remedy for the secretary of a benefit society, who has 
been dismissed by a resolution of a meeting of the society. 

Evans vs. Heart of Oak Benefit Society, 12 Jurist , N. S ., 163. 

MASTER WORKMAN. 

Qualifications required. 

1. To qualify a member for the office of M. W., he must 
have served one term in some subordinate office. 

Art. VI, § 2, Sub. L. Const. 

2 . Note . — The foregoing rule prevails unless Grand Lodges shall other- 
wise provide. 

3. A Past Master Workman of a newly instituted Lodge is eligible to 
the office of Master Workman for the term ensuing his retirement from the Past 
Master Workman’s chair. 

4. Note . — A Master Workman, at the close of his term, is eligible to re- 
election. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 409, 41 1. 

As to eligibility of trustees, 

See Trustees. 

5. Note . — The general rule that vacancies shall be filled in the manner 
of the original selection does not apply in the case of the Master Workman’s 
chair, unless so provided by Grand Lodges. By the above Section that chair 
may be said to never become vacant; because in case of the death, resignation 
or disability of the brother who has been elected and installed, the Foreman at 
once becomes Master Workman by virtue of his office without installation, ex- 
cept that which he has already had as Foreman, which includes in it the duties 
of Master Workman in case of such contingency arising. There is, therefore, 
but one election and installation of a Master Workman in a term, no matter 


/ 


MASTER WORKMAN. 


263 


how many changes take place. Whenever the Foreman becomes Master Work- 
man as above provided, the Foreman’s chair becomes vacant, and an election is 
held to fill it, and the brother elect must be installed as Foreman; but there is no 
election or installation of Master Workman except the regular election and in- 
stallation for the term. 

6 . Who may act as Master Workman. Only Past Master Workmen, a 
Master Workman, or a Foreman can occupy the Master Workman’s chair, and 
any business transacted while the chair is otherwise occupied is irregular and 
void. 

The Overseer who is temporarily occupying the Foreman’s chair cannot be 
called to the chair of M. W. 

Pro. G. L. Cal,, 1879,/. 23. 

7. Holds until successor installed. A Master Workman holds his chair 
until his successor is installed. 

At the end of the term he is entitled to the honors of Past Master Work- 
man, although he has not been installed as such. 

The Foreman can only take the chief chair when the proper Master Workman 
is absent. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1883, p. 13. 

8 . Duties Of Master Workman. The Master Workman 
shall preside at all meetings of the Lodge, preserve order there- 
in, and enforce the laws, rules and regulations of the Lodge, and 
those of the Supreme Lodge ; decide all questions of order 
(subject to an appeal to the Lodge), act as judge of all elections, 
and declare the result to the Lodge ; he shall appoint all com- 
mittees, unless otherwise ordered by the Lodge ; he shall sign 
all orders on the Receiver for such moneys as may be ordered 
by a vote of the Lodge, or required by the beneficiary laws to 
be paid; he shall not be entitled to vote, except on the election 
of officers, or on balloting for candidates; and when the mem- 
bers are equally divided on any question he shall have the cast- 
ing vote; he shall open and close the Lodge in due form; he 
shall call special meetings of the Lodge, when requested so to 
do by seven members in writing. On the night of his installa- 
tion he shall appoint three members in good standing in the 
Lodge to serve as a business committee, and at the last stated 
meetings in June and December he shall appoint an auditing 


264 


MASTER WORKMAN. 


committee, which shall consist of three members in good stand- 
ing, whose duty it shall be to audit the books and examine the 
accounts of the Recorder, Financier, and Receiver, and make 
their report in writing at the next stated meeting. He shall 
hold all bonds given by subordinate officers. He shall also per- 
form such other duties appertaining to his office as are enjoined 
by the laws, rules, and regulations of the Order. 

Art. X, § i, Sub. L. Const. 

g. Note. — The Master Workman is ex-ojficio chairman of the relief com- 
mittee (See title Relief Committee, 4>ar. i ) The provisions of the above Sec- 
tion, so far as they relate to the general duties of the Master Workman as 
presiding officer of the Lodge, have, by their adoption in all jurisdictions, become 
general in the Order. With regard to the calling of special meetings, the time 
of appointing the auditing committee, and the specification of their duties, and 
the custody of the bonds of officers, Grand Lodges have exercised the right of 
varying and changing the rule. 

10. Pro tern, appointment. The M. W. of a Lodge can appoint any M. W. 
degree member to act as P. M. W. pro. tem ., provided there is no P. M. W. 
present. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 5. 

11. Order to communicate password. The M. W. will retain and destroy 
the order for S. A. P. W. in all cases. 

Pro. G. L. Pa., 1881. Rev. Dec., 191. 

12. Duty as to rituals. It is the duty of the Master Workman to take 
care of the rituals belonging to the Lodge, and to keep them in a safe place 
where they will be secure from observation. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 414. 

13. The M. W. can excuse an officer from further attendance during a 
session by the consent of the Lodge. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 161. 

14. The M. W. cannot second a motion when presiding. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 170. 

15. The M. W. of a Lodge wishing to speak upon or debate a question, 
must call the F. to his chair while so doing. 

Penn. Rev. Dec., 101. 


MASTER WORKMAN. 





265 


* 6 . The M. W. may call upon the P. M. W . to give the unwritten work 
when initiating or conferring degrees. 

Penna. Rev. Dec. 103. 

See Degrees. 

17. M. W. duties of, when there is variance between certificate and proof 
ot death, 

See Proof of Death. 

18. For greater detail as to the duties of Master Workman with reference . 

to Passwords, Visiting Brothers, Etc., 

See those titles. 

19. The Master Workman is chairman of relief committee. 

See Relief Committee. 

See also Auditing Committee, Business Committee, Etc. 

20. Master Workman elected at institution entitled to honors, etc. 

The member elected Past Master Workman at the institution of a Subordinate 
Lodge, and the one elected Master Workman at the same time, and who serve 
until the end of the term, are Past Master Workmen in the full sense, and are 
entitled to all the benefits and privileges of Past Master Workman. 

See Past Master Workman. 

21. A Master .Workman who resigns, not entitled to honors. A Mas- 
ter Workman of a Lodge who resigns before the end of the term is not entitled 
to the honors of a Past Master Workman, and is therefore not eligible to elec- 
tion as representative to a Grand Lodge. 

Pro. S. Z., 7 th Ann. Sess. p. 14. 

22. Nor to fill a vacancy in the P. M. Workman’s office. 

Pro. G. L. Ill , i 83 i ,/. 305. 

23. A Master Workman re-elected becomes a Past Master Workman 
at close of first term. A Master Workman of a Lodge who, at the close of 
his term of office has been re-elected for the succeeding term, becomes a Past 
Master Workman at the end of his first term, and is eligible to the office of rep- 
resentative to the Grand Lodge. — Ibid. 

Pro . G. L. Kansas , 1882, p. 12. 

24. The sitting Master Workman is eligible for election as Grand Rep- 
resentative when the other officers are elected. It is not necessary that his suc- 
cessor shall have been installed. 

See Pro. Sup. Z., S th Ann. Sess. 1880, pp. 186, 277. 


266 


MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS. 


25. When the Master Workman has been absent from three succes- 
sive meetings, the Foreman cannot declare the chair vacant and assume it. An 
inferior officer cannot remove his superior. The Lodge must first declare the 
chair of the Master Workman vacant before the Foreman can assume it. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1879,//. 23, 46. 

26. The office of Master Workman can be declared vacant by vote of the 
Lodge for failure to attend Lodge or neglect of duty. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1880, p. 159. 

Absence or disability of Master Workman, 

See Foreman. 

MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS. 

1. Medical Examiner and examinations. At each regular 
session of this Supreme Lodge there shall be elected a “ Supreme 
Medical Examiner,” who shall be a competent practicing phy- 
sician, a member of this Order, and a graduate of some repu- 
table school of medicine. Said Supreme Medical. Examiner 
may, for cause, be at any time removed, and a successor ap- 
pointed. 

Art. X, § 1, Sup. L. Const . 

2. It Shall be the duty Of said Medical Examiner to promptly 
examine and pass upon every certificate of medical exam- 
ination for membership in Subordinate Lodges not under the 
jurisdiction of a Grand Lodge. He shall endorse his approval 
or disapproval upon the certificate, and, if approved, return the 
same to the Lodge forwarding it without delay. For each cer- 
tificate of examination so passed upon by said Supreme Medical 
Examiner he shall receive the sum of fifty cents. 

Art. X, § 2, Sup. L. Const. 

3. Each Grand Lodge shall be required to elect or appoint 
at each annual session a Grand Medical Examiner (or Board of 
Medical Examiners), who shall be competent practicing physi- 
cians, who shall be required to file with the Grand Recorder 
evidence of their authority to practice medicine, by whom all 
Medical Examiners’ certificates must be approved before the 


MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS. 


267 


degrees can be conferred upon the applicant. Provided, how- 
ever, that the compensation of, and by whom to be paid to, said 
Grand Examiner shall be fixed by the several Grand Lodges. 
Provided, further, that upon the institution of new Lodges 
degrees may be conferred and the Lodge instituted, but no ben- 
eficiary certificate shall be issued, nor shall any liability be in- 
curred until such medical examinations and applications shall 
have been submitted to and been approved by said Supreme or 
Grand Medical Examiner, or Board of Medical Examiners. 

Art. X, § 3, Sup. L. Const . 

4. Removal of Grand Medical Examiner. The Grand Med- 
ical Examiner, or Board of Medical Examiners, or member thereof, 
elected or appointed in Grand Lodges under the immediate ju- 
risdiction of the Supreme Lodge, pursuant to Section 3 of this 
article, shall not be authorized to act as such officer or board 
until such election or appointment shall have been approved by 
the Supreme Master Workman and Supreme Medical Examiner, 
and no such Grand Medical Examiner or Board, or member of 
such Board, now in office, or whose election or appointment 
shall be hereafter so approved, shall be removed from office, ex- 
cept for cause shown and upon the consent and advice of the 
Supreme Master Workman and Supreme Medical Examiner. 

Art. X, § 7, Sup. L. Const., Adopted 1884. 

5. Grand Medical Examiners required to report. Grand Medical Ex- 
aminers are required to make an annual report to the Supreme Medical Examiner, 
with a full statement of all such facts concerning their official acts during the 
year, as the Supreme Examiner may require to make his own report more full 
and complete. These reports are to be made on the first day of March of each 
year. 

Resolution Sup. L., 12 th Ann. Sess . , 1884. 

6. At the above named session a full and comprehensive set of rules for 
the guidance of all Medical Examiners of the Order was presented by the Su- 
preme Medical Examiner, and approved by the Supreme Lodge. 

7. A Grand Medical Examiner cannot act as the medical examiner of a 
Subordinate Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Nevada , etc., 1883 , p. 83. 


268 


MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS. 


8 . A physician, not a member, who is appointed a medical examiner, 
and who afterwards desires to make application for membership himself, cannot 
make his own medical examination. 

A Lodge by-law requiring all applicants to be examined by the Lodge medi- 
cal examiner must give way before this paramount rule. 

See Pro. G. L. Minn., 1879, p. 39. 

9. All certificates of medical examination for member- 
ship in this jurisdiction shall, as soon as approved and signed 
by the proper Lodge committee, or instituting officer, be for- 
warded, with the prescribed fee of fifty cents from the fees ad- 
vanced by the applicant, to the Supreme Medical Examiner, 
who shall, if the credential certificates of examining physicians 
prescribed in Section 3 of this Article be on file in his office on 
the day of their receipt, pass upon and return the same if ap- 
proved to the Lodge forwarding. The Supreme Recorder shall 
furnish a blank form of credential certificate, and keep a record 
of all credential certificates filed in his office. 

Art. X, § 5, Sup. L. Const. 

10. Rejection of former member. Where a brother joined the Order as a 
charter member of a Lodge in Illinois, and afterwards removed to Missouri, 
joining a Lodge in that State by card, and having subsequently returned to Ill- 
inois and seeking to join by card the Lodge of which he was formerly a char- 
ter member. 

Held that the Grand Medical Examiner had the power, and that in a proper 
case it was his duty to reject the applicant as an unsafe risk on account of “ fam- 
ily history.” 

See Pro. G. L. II}., 1882, p. 371. . 

11. Duty of Grand Medical Examiner. The Grand Lodge constitution 
of Ohio requires the Grand Medical Inspector “ to examine and pass upon the 
medical certificates of candidates for admission or readmission.” 

Const . G. L. of Ohio, 1878. 

Held by the G. M. W. that the Grand Medical Inspector can reject an appli- 
cant on account of his occupation as saloon keeper. 

It is his duty to reject every person whose occupation or habits may shorten 
life. 




G. L. of Ohio, 1883. 


MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS 


269 


12. It is the duty of the Grand Master Workman, or of the Grand 
Recorder, to refuse a beneficiary certificate when the application shows that the 
applicant is mentally or physically disqualified. 

Pro . G. L. Or. and Wash., 1882 , p. 46. 

13. Disapproval by Lodge Examiner cannot be reversed by Grand 
Medical Examiner. In no case can the Grand Medical Examiner reverse the 
disapproval of the Lodge Medical Examiner. Complaints of this character 
must be referred to the Grand Master Workman. 

Dec. G. M . W., Pro. G. L. Ky ., 1882,/. 11. 

14. Pennsylvania. The G. M. W. [who in this case performed the duties 
of Grand Medical Examiner] can reject an applicant only upon such matters as 
the Lodge Med. Examiner’s report reveals. 

He does not reject on account of the morals of a candidate. 

Pro. G. L. Penna ., 1883 p. 23. 

15. Whenever the Supreme or Grand Medical Examiner or 
Board of Medical Examiners shall disapprove the examination 
of an applicant, they shall place the same on file in his or their 
office, and notify the Lodge forwarding the same of the action 
thereon. 

Art. X, § 6, Sup. L . Const. 

16. Minnesota. All medical certificates of Subordinate Lodge physicians 
shall be forwarded, under seal by mail by such physicians, directly to the Medical 
Director, without revealing in any form to any other person the substance of 
such certificate. 

The Medical Director shall examine such certificate and endorse his approval 
or rejection thereon. 

If approved he shall return them to the Recorder of the Subordinate Lodge, 
but if rejected he shall retain them on file in his office and notify such Recorder 
at once by mail of such rejection, who shall notify the Grand Recorder as re- 
quired, etc ; and no candidate for membership to any Subordinate Lodge shall 
receive any of the degrees until his medical certificate shall have been duly ap- 
proved and returned as above provided, and if rejected either by the Medical 
Director, or the Lodge by ballot, the candidate shall not be informed of the 
manner of his rejection. 

Art. I, § 3, By-Laws G. L. Minnesota. 

17. Illinois. Under the Subordinate Lodge constitution of Illinois, the 
medical examiner shall hand the medical examination certificate, enclosed in a 


270 


MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS. 


sealed envelope, to the Recorder of the Lodge, to be immediately forwarded to 
the Grand Medical Examiner. 

If his report be favorable the application for membership is made and referred. 

Art. XII, § i, Const. Sub. L. Illinois. 

1 8. Wisconsin. The constitution of the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin re- 
quires the filing of all rejected certificates in the office of ihe Grand Recorder. 

When an incomplete medical examination is received by the State Medical Ex- 
aminer it must be returned to the Recorder of the Subordinate Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Wis., 1883, p. 67. 

19. Medical examinations lost in transit must be replaced by new ones 
made upon a re-examination. 

The party in fault must pay the expense, and if no one is found to be in fault, 
then it falls upon the Lodge to pay it. 

Pro. G. L. Minn., Feb. 1878,/. 44. 

20. Michigan. All applications for membership are required to be approved 
by the Grand Medical Examiner before any degree is conferred, except that at 
the institution of new Lodges, or when the degrees are conferred by special dis- 
pensation of the Grand Master Workman, they may be conferred subject to the 
approval of the Grand Medical Examiner. All applications for membership are 
required to be approved by him before any beneficiary certificate is issued. 

Pro. G. L. Mich., 1883, p. 113. 

21. To be returned. The medical examination approved or rejected is to 
be returned to the Recorder of the Subordinate Lodge. 

Const. G. L . III., Art. VI, § 12. 

22. In the jurisdiction of Michigan all rejected applications, whether by 
the Grand Medical Examiner or by the Lodge, are required to be filed in the 
office of the Grand Recorder. 

In Kansas the rejected medical examination is retained on file in the office of 
the Grand Medical Director, with his reasons for rejection attached thereto, and 
the G. M. D. is required to furnish, if desired, a copy of such medical examina- 
tion, and of the reasons for rejection to the Recorder of the Subordinate Lodge 
sending the medical examination. All other medical examinations are returned 
to the Recorder of the Subordinate Lodge. The Grand Medical Director is re- 
quired to keep a full and complete record of each medical examination acted 
upon by him, showing name of applicant, name of Lodge forwarding it, name 
of medical examiner, date of approval or rejection, and if latter, a brief state- 
ment of the reasons therefor; also age and occupation of applicant. 


( 


MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS. 


271 


23. On the approval by the Supreme or Grand Medical 
Examiner, and its return to the Subordinate Lodge, the medical 
examiner’s certificate, with the candidate’s application endorsed, 
is filed in the office of the Supreme or Grand Recorder. 

Ait. VIII, § 3, Sup. L. Const. 

24. Loss of medical examiner’s certificate. Prior to the adoption of 
the present beneficiary laws of the Order, the medical examiner’s certificates 
were retained by the Subordinate Lodges, and in some instances have been lost 
or destroyed, and cannot therefore be placed on file in the Supreme Recorders’ 
or the various Grand Recorders’ offices, as required by the present laws. In 
such cases, the Subordinate Lodges are required to certify the facts in their 
official notice of death; and the absence of the medical examiner’s certificate is 
no detriment to the payment of the death loss. 

Pro. 6th Ann. Sess. S. L., p. 393. 

25. In instituting new Lodges, the applications and medi- 
cal examiner’s certificates of the charter members thereof shall 
be attested and approved by the instituting officer, and in such 
cases the degrees may be conferred as provided in Article X, 
Section 3 of this constitution (see par. 4, ante)\ the instituting 
officer, as soon as the Lodge is organized, forwarding to the 
Grand or Supreme Medical Examiner, as the case may be, said 
applications and medical examiner’s certificates with the required 
fee. Upon the return of said applications to the Lodge duly 
approved by the Grand or Supreme Medical Examiner, the 
Lodge will forward the same, together with the fee for bene- 
ficiary certificate, to the Grand or Supreme Recorder, as the 
case may be. 

§ 18, Art. VIII, Sup. L. Const. 

26. All medical examinations of applicants for member- 
ship in our Order shall be made by a respectable practicing 
physician, graduate of some reputable school of medicine, and 
no other — which qualifications shall be made to appear by a cer- 
tified copy of their certificate of graduation from some reputa- 
ble college or medical institution authorized to confer degrees 
and license to practice in States where a system of registration 


272 


MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS. 


prevails. Subordinate Lodges may choose one or more physi- 
cians to examine applicants, but such examiners shall, in all 
respects, be governed by the requirements of this article, and 
all examiners shall, as far as practicable, be members of this 
Order. 

Art. X, §'4, Sup. L. Const., as amended 1884. 

27. In the following Grand Lodges the appointment of Lodge examiners 
is subject to the approval of the Grand Medical Examiner, or Inspector, who has 
power of removal in certain cases. 

Ohio. See Art. VI, § 7, Const. G. L. Ohio. 

Where the interests of the Order seem to require it. 

Michigan. Art. VI, § 9, G. L. Const. 

Kansas. See Constitution. 

In Ontario the appointment of the medical examiner may be revoked by the 
G. M. W. at any time, if he deem such revocation to be in the interests of the 
Order. 

Art. VI, § 2, G. L. Const. Ontario. 

28. Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona. Each medical examiner shall 
be required to file in the office of the Grand Recorder a certificate setting forth: 

1st. That he is a graduate of a reputable medical college, or has authority to 
practice. 

2d. That he has practiced his profession not less than three years. 

3d. That he will conform to all the requirements of the laws of our Order 
appertaining to the examinations for membership, and will adhere to and obey 
the instructions given by the Grand Medical Director. 

The statements therein contained shall be certified to as correct by at least two 
reputable physicians, who shall also certify that said medical examiner is of 
good moral character and fair reputation as a physician. 

Whereupon the Grand Medical Director shall issue a commission to the person 
filing said certificate, under the seal of the Grand Lodge, and furnish therewith 
a copy of printed instructions to the said medical examiner for his guidance in 
the discharge of his official duty. 

A violation of the instructions relating to the medical examination of appli- 
cants for membership, as adopted by this Grand Lodge, shall be punished by 
dismissal from office, suspension or expulsion. 

Const. G. L. Col., N. M., and Ariz ., Art. VI, § 17, (adopted 1882.) 


MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS. 


273 


29. California. In California the Lodge examiner is removable by a two- 
thirds vote of the Lodge, for cause shown, upon motion, after notice. 

Art. VII, § 3, Const . Sub. L. California. 

30. Oregon and Washington. By the Grand Medical examiner, for faith- 
lessness or incompetency, with the concurrence of the Grand Master Workman, 
and after the accused shall have had an opportunity to be heard. 

Art. XIV, §4, G. L. Const. Oreg. and Wash. 

31 Medical examiners. In cases where it is impracticable for the medical 
examiner to act, Lodges may accept examinations made by regular physicians 
who are not members of the Order, but great care should be exercised in the 
matter. 

32 The physician finding an applicant physically disqualified for member- 
ship, should report the same to the Lodge, and an entry of the rejection placed 
upon the records, and the Grand Recorder notified of the fact and cause. 

33. Subordinate Lodges may elect more than one examining physician, but 
they must be members of the Order (if practicable). 

34. Medical examiners must be physicians duly qualified to practice their 
profession under the laws of the State. 

Big., 1st Ed., par. 471, 472. 

35. Massachusetts. Each Subordinate medical examiner shall be a regular 
graduate of some reputable school of medicine, and a practicing physician in 
good standing. 

He shall be appointed by the Grand Medical Examiner, subject to the approval 
of the Grand Master Workman. 

Art. XIII, G. L. Const. Mass . 

36. A physician who is not a graduate of a medical college is not qualified 
to act as medical examiner of a Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Wis., 1880. 

37. Subordinate Lodges can regulate the number of its medical examiners, 
and they can and should refuse to receive medical examiners’ reports from other 
than its regular examiners, unless otherwise ordered by vote of the Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1880. 

% 

38. The words “regular physician” are understood to mean a physician 
graduated from some duly incorporated college, or belonging to some authorized 
county medical society. 

G. L. N. Y., 1880. 

18 


274 


MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS. 


A homoeopathic physician is “regular” if such a graduate and member. — 
Ibid . 

39. Any physician being a graduate of a reputable medical college is eligible 
as an examiner, irrespective of his “ school of practice .” 

Pro. G. L. Iowa , 1877, p. 15. 

40. Each application for membership must be accom- 
panied by the physician’s certificate, in manner and form as 
directed by the Supreme Lodge. 

Art. II, §2, Sub. L. Const. 

41. Medical examiner’s certificate. The law requires medical examiners’ 
certificates to accompany petitions, and to be referred to the committee of inves- 
tigation at the time of their appointment. 

See Pro. G. L. Ills., 1881, p. 262. 

42. Every person making application for the Master Workman degree 
certifies that his answers to the medical examiner’s questions attached to the 
application are true, and he agrees that the beneficiary certificate shall have no 
binding force until he shall have taken the M. W. degree, nor until his medical 
examination shall have been approved. 

Art. VIII, § 2, Sup. L. Const. 

Membership, application for. 

43. Each applicant for membership must be examined by the regularly 
appointed physician of the Lodge, and his certificate in manner and form as < 
authorized by the Grand Lodge must accompany the application for membership, 
and be presented to the Lodge before any action is taken. 

Penna. Rev. Dec. (20), p. 3. 

44. An application cannot be read and referred to a committee without the 
medical examiner’s certificate. 

Pro. G. L. Tenn., 1878, p. 14. 

45. Medical examiner’s certificate read. The medical examiner’s certifi- 
cate to the fact that the applicant is or is not, in his opinion, physically qualified 
for membership, should in every case be read in the Lodge; and if any member 
call for the reading of the entire certificate, his request should be granted. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 470. 


MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS. 


275 


46. Medical examiner’s report. As soon as the committee of investigation 
make their report to the Lodge, and it is found to be favorable, it then becomes 
the duty of the Recorder to forward the medical examination to the Grand 
Medical Examiner for his approval, and when it shall have been returned 
approved by him, the ballot is had. 

Pro. G. L. Tenn., 1881, p. 9. 

47 - Note . — The above is not the general rule. In a majority of the juris- 
dictions the approval of the medical examiner’s certificate by the Grand or 
Supreme Medical Examiner must take place before any action on the application 
by the Subordinate Lodge. 

This does not apply to the organization of new Lodges, for which 

See New Lodges. 

48. No action had until medical examiner’s report returned. An appli- 
cation for membership should not be read in the Lodge until the report of the 
Grand Medical Examiner is in the possession of the Recorder of the Subordinate 
Lodge, and as it must be read to the Lodge before it can be referred to an inves- 
tigating committee, no action whatever can be taken by the Lodge until the 
report of the Grand Medical Examiner has been received by the Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Ills ., 1884, p. 666. 

49. Where it was practicable for the applicant to be examined by a phy- 
sician who was a member of the Order, but such applicant was not so examined, 
an objection made at the proper time was held well taken. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1883, p. 486. 

50. A physician shall not be selected simply because he is a member of the 
Order, but in all cases the medical examiner must be a physician in good standing. 

Pro. G. L. Illinois , 1881, pp. 262, 305. 

51. A physician who has been rejected by a Lodge as a member of the 
Order should not be employed as a medical examiner when there is a duly 
qualified medical examiner, a member of the Order, at hand. 

Pro. G. L. Or. and Wash., 1882, p. 46. 

52. A Lodge may elect more than one medical examiner. 

Pro. G. L. Kansas, 1882, p. 10. 

A Lodge may at its pleasure, with the advice and consent of the Grand Medical 
Director, remove an examiner and appoint another in his place. — Ibid. 


276 


MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS. 


53. Applicants must be examined by the physician appointed by the 
Lodge; but Subordinate Lodges may elect more than one examining physician, 
who must be members of the Order. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1884, p. 667. 

54. A Lodge has a right to reject the medical certificate of a candidate, for 
the reason that it was made by one not the designated examiner of the Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Kansas , 1880, p. 11. 

55. A rejection by the Grand Medical Examiner, or by the Lodge Medical 
Examiner, acts as a black ball, and a record of such rejection should be made. 

Should the applicant desire to renew his petition for membership, he must 
either apply to the same Lodge in which he was rejected, or the consent of the 
Lodge, under seal, must be obtained before he can be admitted in another Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1884, p. 668. 

56. In Tennessee the medical examiner must be a member of the Order, 
and may be elected by the Lodge by ballot. If the elected physician be absent, 
ill, or related to the applicant within the sixth degree, another reputable physi- 
cian, a member of the Order, shall make the examination. 

Regulation 10, G. L. of Tennessee. 

57 When it is not practicable to secure the services of an examiner who 
is a member of the Order, any reputable practitioner who is a graduate of a 
regular medical college may examine applicants for membership, and his certifi- 
cate will be received. 

Dec. G. M. W., Ky., 1882. 

Pro. G. L. Ky., 1882, p. 10. 

58. Where an applicant, after proper effort, fails to find a medical exam- 
iner, a member of the Order, in time to get his application before the Lodge on 
the night it is desired to present it, the Lodge should not refuse to accept the 
certificate of another regular and well known physician. 

Pro. G. L. Ky., 1875, p. 7. 

59. Medical examiners must be members of the Order, unless it be im- 
practicable to procure such physician; and in either case he must be elected med- 
ical examiner for the Lodge. No other certificates are valid. 

Penn. Rev. Dec., 3. 

60. A medical examiner cannot examine applicants for membership while 
he is in a state of suspension. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 193. 


MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS. 


277 


61. A Lodge must elect a new medical examiner when its medical ex- 
aminer is suspended. 

Penna. Rev. Dec.> 194. 

62. A medical examiner may also be Master Workman. 

Penna. Rev. Dec. 179, 10 th Ann. Sess. 

63. Master Workman may be medical exanliner. The offices of Master 
Workman and medical examiner are not incompatible. 

A medical examiner is eligible to any office in the Lodge, if otherwise quali- 
fied. 

Pro. G. L. Kansas , 1880, p. II. 

64. Ibid. The Master Workman may, if qualified, be medical examiner, 
and be elected to serve in both offices at the same time. 

Indiana approved decisions, title Master Workman, No. 5. 

65. Ibid. Holding the office of medical examiner does not debar a member 
from holding another office in the Lodge. 

Dec. G. M. W. f Pro. G. L. Ky., 1882,/. 11. 

66. Ibid. A medical examiner may, at the same time, hold any other office, 
being otherwise qualified. 

Pro. G. L. Wis., 1880. 

But see Grand Medical Examiner, and Officers. 

67. The G. M. W. may authorize a medical examiner of a Lodge of 
another jurisdiction to examine a member of a Lodge in this jurisdiction who 
applies to be reinstated. 

Pro. G. L. Penna ., 1883,/. 23. 

68. The G. M. W. may approve an examination so made, even if the 
medical examiner is not specially authorized, if he has been previously desig- 
nated as the medical examiner of a Lodge of A. O. U. W. 

Pro. G. L. Pa ., 1883,//. 23, 106. 

69. Note. — The foregoing decisions were rendered at a time when the G. 
M. W. discharged the duties of State Medical Examiner or Inspector, and in a 
case where the approval of Lodge medical examiners by the Grand Medical 
Examiner is not provided for. 

70. Each applicant on the petition for a charter of a new 
Lodge, except members from an old Lodge in the same jurisdic- 


278 


MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS. 


tion, joining by card as provided by law, must present therewith 
a certificate (in the form prescribed by the Supreme Lodge) of 
a regular practicing physician, who must be a member of the 
Order, when practicable, that the applicant is in sound bodily 
health, and has no defect which, in the opinion of the medical 
examiner, is calculated to shorten life, and is a fit subject to 
participate in the beneficiary fund. 

Law 4, of Gen . App. 

71. Physician’s certificate must accompany the application. No ap- 
plication for membership can be received unless it is accompanied by the phy- 
sician’s certificate. 

Pro . G. L. N. Y., 1879. 

See Application for Membership. 

72. Candidate must be examined by the medical examiner designated 
by the Lodge; but he may select as between two or more examiners of the same 
Lodge. The Lodge alone shall be the judge as to when it is practicable for a 
candidate to be examined by a physician who is a member of the Order. 

Pro . G. L. N. V., 1879. 

73. It is not permissible to take an applicant for examination before the 
medical examiner of a Lodge other than the one in which the application is laid, 
without first obtaining the consent of the State Medical Examiner, upon suffi- 
cient grounds prescribed ; and it is irregular to obtain such examination without 
the knowledge and consent of the State Medical Examiner in a case where the 
applicant had been examined by the Lodge examiner, and recommended by him, 
but the application had been rejected by the State Medical Examiner. 

Pro. G. L. Wis. , 1881,/. 17, 

74*. A member seeking to join by card from another jurisdiction must be 
examined by the medical examiner of the Lodge which he seeks to join in this 
jurisdiction. 

Pro. G. L . Wis,, 1882,/. 14. 

75. Medical examinations and certificates must conform to the require- 
ments of law in every respect, and they must not be written with lead pencil, 
but with pen and ink. 

Sup. M. W. Dec., Pro. Sup. L ., 1882, p. 486. 


MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS. 


279* 


76. A candidate made his own examination, recommended himself, and 
refused to be examined by any other physician. Such a course was held to be 
contrary to the principles of the Order, and admission thereupon was refused. 

Pro. G. L. Mich , 1882 , pp. 50, 114. 

77 * A Lodge having appointed a medical examiner has the right to re- 
quire all applicants for membership to be examined before the regularly appointed 
medical examiner of the Lodge, and this although a medical examination taken 
before a physician who is a member of the Lodge accompanies the application. 

G. M. W. Dec., sustained by G. L. over adverse report of committee. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1880 ,p. 175, 219. 

78. A Lodge may elect a medical examiner from those not members. 

Pro. G. L. California , 1884, p. 58. 

79 * The words “a regular practicing physician in good standing, who 
shall be a member of the Order if practicable,” mean that medical examinations 
should be made by physicians who are members of the Order, but there is left 
with the instituting officer or Lodge a sound discretion whether the examina- 
tions should in all cases be so limited. “If all things are equal” the examina- 
tions should be made by physicians who are members of the Order. 

See Pro. G. L. III., 1882, p. 369. 

80. Physicians organizing Lodges. Medical men should not be permitted 
to organize Lodges and act as medical examiners of candidates for admission, 
into such new Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Out., 1882 , p. 61. 

81. At the organization of a new Lodge the medical examiner recom- 
mended as a good risk a man who died shortly afterward of disease of the heart. 
The medical examiner was removed by the G. M. W. after examination, during 
which he was suspended from office, although it was contended on the part of 
such examiner that he was not a member of the Order when the objectionable 
applicant was recommended; that there was no law authorizing such removal by 
the G. M. W. of an elective officer of a Subordinate Lodge. 

The action of the G. M. W. was approved by the G. L. 

J 

Pro. G. L. Tex., 1882, pp. 11, 47. 

82. Free and confidential correspondence between the State and Lodge 
Medical Examiners should be encouraged. 

Pro. G. L. Tenn., 1883. 


280 


MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS. 


83. Report on suspended member. The Lodge medical examiner’s report 
upon a suspended member must be approved in the same manner as that of a 
new applicant. 

Pro. G. L. Pa ., 1883, p. 23. 

84. A Lodge can receive a certificate of any number of physicians, pro- 
vided they belong to the Order and have been regularly elected medical examiner 
of said Lodge. (4th S. A. S., p. 25, G. L. Pa.) 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 6. 

85. A suspended member may, on examination for reinstatement, be re- 
jected by the medical examiner, although apparently in as good health as when 
examined for admission to the Order. 

Pro. G. L. Wis ., 1882, p. 14. 

86 . The medical examiner should be paid by the Lodge for all examina- 
tions, whether resulting fayorably or otherwise. 

The physician should be regarded as the agent of the Lodge, and not of the 
applicant. 

G. M. W. report , G. L. N. Y., 1879. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y„ 1880. 

87. Illinois. The applicant pays the medical examiner’s fee, unless other- 
wise expressly provided in the by-laws. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1879, p. 178. 

88. When re-examination not required. A brother joining from a Lodge 
in l.he same jurisdiction does not have to be re-examined by a physician, except 
when required by Lodges paying sick benefits. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1882 , pp. 13, no. 

89. Illinois. It is necessary for a member holding a clearance card to pass 
a medical examination on application for membership in another Lodge, made 
within one month from date of card, but not where the card is sought to be 
deposited in the Lodge granting it. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1880, p. 158. 

90. Note. — The foregoing decision is not in conformity with the general law. 

91. Missouri. No man shall be received into our Order who has already 
been rejected in any other mutual aid or life company for physical causes, and 
a question shall be incorporated into the medical examiner’s certificate that shall 
determine the matter. 


Pro. G. L. Mo., 1879, p. 38. 


MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS. 


281 


Maryland, New Jersey and Delaware. The medical examiner’s blank con- 
tains the following questions: “ Have you ever applied for life insurance?” 
“ Were you ever rejected either by a mutual aid society or life insurance com- 
pany ? ” 

Pro. G. L. Md., N. J. and Del., 1883, p. 52. 

Michigan. The medical examiner’s blank contains the latter question in 
substance. 

92. Suspension revokes authority of medical examiner. A medical 
examiner cannot examine applicants for membership while he is in a state of 
suspension, (nth A. S. G. L. Pa.) 

\ J 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 193. 

93. Ibid. A medical examiner cannot examine applicants for membership 
while such medical examiner is a suspended member. 

Indiana approved decisions, title Application, 13. 

94. Where the Lodge medical examiner reports unfavorably, it amounts to 
a rejection. It must be reported to the Grand Recorder, and not be sent to the 
Grand Medical Examiner for his approval of such rejection. 

(See Pro. G. L. Pa., 1883, p. 23.) 

95. Ibid. The physician finding an applicant physically disqualified for 
membership must report the same to the Lodge, and an entry of the rejection 
placed upon the records, and the Grand Recorder notified of the fact and cause. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., (21 )p 3. 

96. Rejection by Grand Medical Examiner. The certificate of a medical 
examiner on the application of a person to become a member of our Order, being 
disapproved by the State Medical Examiner, such disapproval constitutes a rejec- 
tion just as much as an unfavorable ballot; and the person thus rejected cannot 
again make application before the expiration of six months. 

Pro. G. L. Wis., 1883, p. 10. 

97. Examination, etc., on deposit of card from another jurisdiction. 

Where a brother from one jurisdiction seeks to join a Subordinate Lodge in 
another jurisdiction, the medical examination made by the local medical exam- 
iner must be approved by the Grand Medical Examiner before it can be acted on 
by the Subordinate Lodge. 

P10. G. L. Ills., 1884,/. 664, Dec. 5. 


282 


MEETINGS. 


98. If an applicant fails to present himself for initiation within three months, 
he must again pass a medical examination. 

Pro. G. L . Ills., 1884, p. 667. 

Pro. G. L. Mich., 1884,/. 106. 

99. When medical examination must be presented. Unless the medical 
examiner’s certificate be presented within three months from the time when 
examination was made, a new medical examination must be had. 

See Pro . G. L. Mich., 1884, p. 106. 

100. If more than three months have elapsed a new examination is required 
before another ballot can take place. 

Dig., 1st Ed., 484. 

101. When examination in another jurisdiction authorized. Where a 
Lodge has a member who resides in another jurisdiction, and who must be re- 
examined for reinstatement, said Lodge may, by its regular medical examiner, 
authorize a competent physician at the brother’s residence to examine him. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1882 ,p. 15. 

102. Judgment of expulsion being reversed on appeal, it is not necessary 
that the brother, in addition to paying accrued dues and assessments, should be 
re-examined. 

Penna. G. L. Pro., 1883,/. 24. 

MEETINGS. 

1. Meetings of Supreme Lodge. 

See Supreme Lodge, meetings of. 

2. Meetings of Grand Lodges. 

See Grand Lodges, Meetings, Etc. 

3. Meeting’S. The stated meetings of Subordinate Lodges 
shall be held every week (unless special permission be granted 
by the Supreme Lodge or Supreme Master Workman, Grand 
Lodge or G. M. W. in case of Lodges under a Grand Lodge, to 
meet semi-monthly) at the place and on the day it shall appoint, 
with the approval of the Supreme (or Grand) Lodge, and shall 
not be changed without such approval. The hour of meeting 
shall be prescribed in the by-laws. 

Art. Ill, § 1, Sub. L. Const. 


MEETINGS. 


283 


4. Note . — These provisions are of general application, being necessary to 
secure uniformity, accuracy, certainty, and promptness in the workings of the 
beneficiary plan which forms one of the Order’s fundamental objects. 

5. Grand Lodges may, when such a course shall be deemed 
beneficial, permit their Subordinate Lodges to meet either once 
in two weeks, or semi-monthly, instead of weekly, in which 
case the term of officers must be twelve months instead of six 
months, provided, that Grand Lodges may provide for a twelve 
months’ term in all cases, if deemed expedient. 

L. 12, App. to G. L. 

See Officers, terms of, par. 20 to 26. 

6. Sunday meetings prohibited. It shall be unlawful for 
the Supreme Lodge or any Grand or Subordinate Lodge, to 
hold any meetings on Sunday for the purpose of organizing or 
transacting any of the ordinary business of the Lodge. Neither 
shall any Lodge, as a Lodge, hold any picnic or pleasure ex- 
cursion on Sunday, nor connect the name of the Order or the 
Lodge by public advertisement with any such Sunday picnic 
or excursion. 

L. 33, of Gen. App. 

7. When meeting falls on holiday. When the regular meeting of a 
Lodge comes on a legal holiday, it may be postponed to a day following, pro- 
vided it is done by a vote of the Lodge, and due notice given to all members. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 340. 

See Holidays. 

8. A Lodge meeting falling on a legal holiday may be postponed to a day 
following, by a vote of the Lodge, of which postponement notice should be given. 

No regular meeting must be missed. 

Pro. G. L. Minn., 1878, p. 45. 

9. A social meeting may be held under the auspices of the Order on 
Christmas night, or on any legal holiday except Sunday, and installation may 
also take place on January 1st. 

Pro. G. L. California, 1884, p. 58. 


284 


MEETINGS. 


10. Illinois. When the meeting night of a Subordinate Lodge falls on a 
legal holiday, it may be postponed to a day following, providing it be done by a 
vote of the Lodge, and due notice be given to all the members. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1884,/. 668. 

11. When the regular meeting of a Lodge comes on a legal holiday the 
Lodge may, by vote, postpone the meeting to another day. 

If this is done, the members should be notified of the action of the Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1883, p. 490. 

12. Special meetings. The Master Workman shall call special meetings 
of the Lodge when requested so to do by seven members in writing. 

Sub. L. Const., Art. X, § 1. 

13. Note . — The manner of calling special meetings is subject to the control 
of Grand Lodges, but the above rule has been generally adopted. Special 
meetings are opened and closed according to the form in the ritual for regular 
meetings, but the “Order of Business ” is not used; the only business which 
can be transacted at a special meeting being that for which it is specifically 
called. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 3. 

14. A special meeting cannot be held, and the regular routine of business 
gone through with, the same as at a regular meeting. 

Dig., 1st Ed, par. 343. 

15. The Grand Master Workman has no authority to grant dispensations 
for a called meeting to confer degrees. 

Dig . , 1st Ed., par. 344. 

But the degrees of the Order may be conferred at special meetings called by the 
Grand Master Workman for the purpose. 

Pro. Sup. L ., 1882, p. 628. 

16. Meeting cannot be continued. A regular meeting of a Lodge can- 
not be adjourned until another evening and then be considered a continuance of 
the same meeting. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1880. 

17. A Subordinate Lodge cannot pass by-laws or confer the degrees of 
the Order at a special meeting. 

Pro. "]th Ann. Sess. Sup. L.,p. 14. 


MEETINGS. 


285 


18. When a Lodge takes a recess or adjourns from one evening to an- 
other, it should open and close in due form. 

Pro. G. L . Kansas , 1882, p. 13. 

19. Lodges which fail to meet less than twice a month are liable to disci- 
pline. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1884. 

20. A Subordinate Lodge is liable to suspension or dissolution for neg- 
lecting to hold the regular stated meetings unless prevented by unforeseen cir- 
cumstances. The holding of stated Lodge meetings is indispensable under our 
organic system. It is highly prejudicial to the interests of the Order to have a 
tacit understanding among the officers and members of a Lodge that no meet- 
ings will be held. 

Such a course, if persisted in, merits the forfeiture of the charter. 

If less than a quorum be present, record should be made of the fact upon the 
minutes, and persistent effort should be put forth to secure attendance to trans- 
act the business of the Lodge. When such effort has finally failed to secure a 
quorum in attendance on stated meetings, the organization of the Lodge should 
be given up. 

When peculiar circumstances prohibit temporarily the holding of meetings, 
the facts should be reported to the Grand Lodge or Grand Master Workman for 
instruction and direction. 

Pro. G. L. Wis. , 1881,/. 19. 

See Quorum. 

21. Lodge cannot change place of meeting. A Subordinate Lodge can- 
not, by its own action alone, change its place of meeting to another village or 
city. 

The Lodge may fix its hall within the limits named in its charter, but to re- 
move outside of this requires the express consent of the G. M. W. or the Grand 
Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Wis. , 1881. 

22. Removal of meeting place. A Subordinate Lodge must get permis- 
sion from the Grand Lodge or Grand Master Workman to remove its place of 
meeting. 

The place of meeting must have the approval of the D. D. G. M. W. or of a 
committee appointed by the Grand Master Workman. 

Indiana approved decisions, title Subordinate Lodge, No. 6 . 

See Dispensation, par. 23. 


286 


MEMBERSHIP QUALIFICATIONS. 


23. A Lodge can change neither its time nor place of meeting without per- 
mission of the Grand Master Workman. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1879, p. 23. 

24. Michigan. Where the last meeting of a Subordinate Lodge falls on the 
25th day of December, the stated meeting held next previous to that date shall 
be considered the last stated meeting in December, for the purposes of § 27, G. 
L . by-laws (providing for the election of officers). 

Executive order, Pro . G. L. Mich., 1880, pp. 19, 115. 

25. Where M. W., F., and P. M. W. are all absent, the members present 
may select officers pro tem., arid hold a meeting of the Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Iowa , 1876, p. 62. 

And confer the degrees. — Ibid, p. 70. 

26. A political subject should not be debated in a Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1884, p. 56. 

See Objects of the Order. 

MEMBERSHIP, APPLICATION FOR. 

See Application for Membership. 

MEMBERSHIP QUALIFICATIONS. 

1. Qualifications for membership. No person shall be ad- 
mitted to membership in this Lodge unless he be a white male, 
of the full age of twenty-one, and under fifty years, of good 
moral character, able and competent to earn a livelihood for 
himself and family, and a believer in a Supreme Being, the Cre- 
ator and Preserver of the Universe. 

Art. II, § 1, Const. Sub. L. 

2. The constitution defines the qualifications for membership. To ridd to 
or to take from these qualifications, as to require six months’ residence in a State, 
is unconstitutional. 

Pro. Sup. L., 12 th Ann. Sess., 1884. 

3. The term “white male person” means a male person of the Caucasian 
race. 

Pro. Sup. L ., 12th Ann. Sess., 1884. 


MEMBERSHIP QUALIFICATIONS. 


287 


4. White male person. The term white, as used in the constitution, means 
a person belonging to the Caucasian race, and excludes from membership 
Negroes, Mongolians, Indians, etc. 

Any person in whose veins flows any other than “white” blood, cannot be 
admitted. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1884, p. 663. 

5. Irregular or informal admission to the Order. A person admitted into 
the Order is, while in the Order complying on his part with all its laws and re- 
quirements, entitled to all its rights and benefits, although the manner of his 
entering or gaining admission into the Order may have been irregular and in- 
formal. A member may be admitted under such circumstances as would 
authorize the Subordinate Lodge to expel or suspend him. If he has been 
guilty of any fraud or misrepresentation, or, if knowing all the requirements of 
the Order, he should fraudulently combine with any one in order to gain 
admission, this would be an offense for which he cou’.d and ought to be tried and 
punished. 

Pro. \$th Ann. Sess., Sup. L.,p. 311. 

6. Membership in two Lodges unlawful. In no case can a person hold 
membership in two Lodges of the Order at one and the same time. 

Dig . , 1st Ed., par. 365. 

7. Ibid. A member cannot join another Lodge until he takes his card from 
his own Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1883, p. 488. 

8. A member from a foreign jurisdiction having been suspended over five 
years, must be reinstated in his own Lodge, and then take a clearance card, in 
order to become a member in the jurisdiction. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1881, p. 269. 

But see title Delinquent and Defunct Lodges, par. 6, (Z. 36 of Gen. 

App.) 

9. Eligibility. A brother who was suspended before the union of the “ in- 
corporate ” and “ non-incorporate ” bodies of our Order [the Order in Pennsyl- 
vania having been divided into two branches at an early period of its history, 
Ed.], can make application for membership the same as, though he had never 
belonged. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., (55)/. 3 - 

Pro. Penna. G. L., 6 th Ann • Sess. 


288 


MEMBERSHIP QUALIFICATIONS. 


10. A person possessing one-half or more Indian blood is not eligible to 
membership. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1881, p. 15. 

11. “White person,” meaning of. A worthy person perfectly white, but 
having a trace of negro blood in his veins, cannot be admitted to the Order. 

The word white refers to race, not to complexion. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1879, p. 13. 

See Ibid, 1883, p. 15. 

12. We tolerate no mixed blood as between races. 

Pro. G. L. Wis., 1883, p. 10. 

13. A black man cannot join our Order. An applicant must be a free white 
male. 

Pro. G. L. Penna., 1883, p. 22. 

14. Physical deformity. The usages of the Order prohibit the initiation of 
persons whose physical deformity prevents a compliance with the requirements 
of the Order. The decision of the question as to the applicability of the general 
principle to special cases of partial deformity rests with Subordinate Lodges to 
which application is made. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., (93.) 

15. A candidate who has lost one leg may be admitted if no other reason 
exists for rejecting him. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1880, p. 163. 

16. The loss of an arm is not a sufficient reason for rejecting an applicant. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1880,/. 163. 

17. A person who has lost his right arm is not thereby disqualified from 
becoming a member of the Order. 

Pro. 7th. Ann. Sess. , S. L. 

Ibid, Pro. G. L. Cal., 1881, p. 15. 

18. The loss of an arm, or other physical defect, does not disqualify one 
from becoming a member of the Order, provided the defect is not such as to 
shorten life or render it more uncertain. 

Pro. Sup. L., %th Ann. Sess., 1880, p. 188. 


MEMBERSHIP QUALIFICATIONS. 


289 


19. Ibid. A man with one leg, or a man with one eye, is eligible for mem- 
bership. It is left to the discretion of the Lodge to decide whether such parties 
would make good members. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1882, p. 14. 

20. A blind man cannot become a member of the Order. 

Pro. G. L. Iowa , 1879, p. 36. 

21. A man crippled so as to be compelled to move about in a small cart, 
although otherwise healthy and able to earn a living, is disqualified. — Ibid. 

22. A blind man being dependent upon others for that which is necessary 
to sustain health and life, cannot be admitted to membership. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1879. 

A blind man cannot join our Order, even though his examination in other 
respects be good. 

Pro. G. L. Penna., 1883, p. 22. 

23. A deaf and dumb man cannot be admitted. 

Pro. G. L. Minn., 1878, p. 45. 

24. It is not expedient to admit to membership any person totally de- 
prived of sight, hearing, or speech. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1882 , p. 25. 

25. Kansas. Lodges cannot legally admit saloon-keepers to membership 
any more than they can admit a man engaged in any other illegal business. 

Pro. G. Z. Kansas, 1883, p. 9. 

Note. — The business referred to is made unlawful by statute in that jurisdic- 
tion. 

See Intoxicating Liquors, Hazardous Occupation. 

26. A drunkard is not a fit subject for membership in this Order, and it is 
the duty of every member to see that drunkards are not permitted to enter our 
ranks. 

Pro. Sup. L., 8th Ann. Sess. 1880, p. 323. 

27. It is decidedly dangerous to admit to membership parties engaged 
in mills or works where explosive powder is manufactured. 

Pro. G. L. California , 1882,/. no. 

28. Belief. The assertion of a person that he does not place implicit belief 
in the Holy Bible does not disqualify him from becoming a member. 

Pro. G. L. IVis., 1880. 

19 




290 


MINUTES. 


29. Non-resident. A non-resident of the State cannot become a member 
of the Order here. 

Pro. G. L. Iowa , 1879, p. 36. 

30. It is not in the power of a Subordinate Lodge to engraft in the laws 
new terms and conditions for membership, as that “ no liquor dealer shall be- 
come a member.” 

Pro. G. L. Iowa , 1877,/. 61. 

MEMBERS OF DELINQUENT AND DEFUNCT LODGES. 

See Delinquent and Defunct Lodges. 

MINIMUM OF MEMBERSHIP. 

See Quorum. 

MILEAGE AND PER DIEM. 

1. The officers of the Supreme Lodge, and the representatives and mem 
bers thereof, and the standing committees appointed at the close of each annual 
meeting, shall be entitled to three dollars for each day of actual attendance at 
the meeting of the Supreme Lodge, or under its order, and ten cents per mile 
traveled one way in going to and returning from the place of meeting, the dis- 
tance to be computed by the nearest practicable route. 

Pro. tth Ann. Sess. S. L., p. 399. 

2. Maryland, New Jersey and Delaware. No representative to this 
Grand Lodge shall be entitled to mileage unless he shall attend at least two days 
of the session of this Grand Lodge (provided the G. L. shall remain in session 
that length of time), unless excused by the G. M. W. 

Pro. G. L. Maryland , N. J. and Del., 1882, p. 72. 

MINUTES. 

1. A Lodge cannot expunge any portion of its record. It may recon- 
sider, or it may rescind, but not expunge. 

Pro. G. L. Penn., 1883, p. 24. 

2. The Recorder of a Lodge must keep a correct minute of the transac- 
tions of the Lodge, whether they are constitutional, legal or not. 

Pro. G. L. Pa., 1883 , p. 24. 

See Books. 


MONEYS. 


291 


* * 

MONEYS. 

1. Moneys, how paid out. All moneys paid by the Supreme Lodge shall 
be paid through the Supreme Receiver. 

Pro. $th Ann. Sess., S. L. } p. 202. 

2. No money shall be paid out of the general fund for any purpose, ex- 
cept upon an order drawn by the Supreme Master Workman upon the Supreme 
Receiver, countersigned by the Supreme Recorder, with the seal of the Supreme 
Lodge attached. 

Pro. 3 d Ann. Sess. S. L., p. 87. 

See Supreme Recorder. 

3. For the manner of payment of beneficiary losses, see Art. VIII, § 17, 

Sufi. L. Const. 

See title Beneficiary Article. 

4. The Receiver of the Lodge has no right to pay out funds of the Lodge 
without an order of the Lodge, duly authorized and signed. 

Pro. G. L. Pa ., 1883, p. 26. 

5. No money shall be paid out of the general fund of any 
Subordinate Lodge except upon orders drawn upon the Re- 
ceiver. 

L. 29, of Gen App. 

See Subordinate Lodges, disposal of Lodge funds. 

General Fund, par. 2, et sej. 

6. Moneys, how deposited and paid out. All officers of 
the Order who have charge of moneys shall deposit said moneys 
in their official capacity, and payout the same in like manner. 

L. 28, of Gen. App. 

7. An officer of a Grand or Subordinate Lodge is a trustee for the Lodge 
which he serves, and any sum realized by him from the use of funds in his 
hands belongs to the Lodge, and not to him. 

Pro. G. L. Tenn ., 1883, p. 40. 

8 . Trustees cannot invest funds of the Lodge without direction of the 
Lodge. Loaning money to one of their number without authority of the Lodge 
is illegal. 

Pro. G. L. Pa ., 1883, p. 26. 




292 


MONTHLY STATEMENTS. 


9. All income from investments should be collected by the trustees and paid 
to the Financier, and by him paid to the Receiver. 

Penna. G. L., 1883, p. 26. 

10. Money, how paid. The fee required to be sent with a beneficiary return 
comes from the general fund of the Subordinate Lodges, and can only be paid 
out of it by means of an order drawn upon the Receiver. 

See Assessment. 

11. New York. The G. L. of N. Y. leaves the government of the general 
fund to the Subordinate Lodges. Therefore, in the absence of any by-law re- 
quiring a two-thirds vote for the appropriation of money, only a majority vote is 
necessary. 

Pro. G. L. N. y., 1883, p. 12. 

But see Art. Ill, Const. Sub. L. N. Y . , as amended 1883. Under this, an appro- 
priation or expenditure is ordered only by a two-thirds vote. 

12. Funds of the Lodge can only be used for charitable purposes. 

See General Fund, par. 2, et seq. 

MONTHLY REPORT. 

1. Each Subordinate Lodge shall make full report to the 
Supreme (or Grand) Recorder every thirty days of all certifi- 
cates suspended, annulled, withdrawn, or renewed. 

§ 7, Art. VIII, Sup. L. Const. 

See Financier. 

MONTHLY STATEMENTS. 

See Supreme Recorder, Grand Recorder, Recorder. 


N 


NAME. 

1. Name of the Supreme Lodge. This body shall be known 
by the name and style of the “ Supreme Lodge of the Ancient 
Order of United Workmen.” 

Art. I, § i, Const . Sup. L. 

2. The name and title of Grand Lodges are regulated by the respective 
Grand Lodges themselves. The title of most of the Grand Lodges includes 
the names of the States comprised in the jurisdiction, but this rule is not invari- 
able, as for instance in the case of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, which 
includes all the New England States. 

3. The name of a Subordinate Lodge is selected by the Lodge itself, and 
is included in its charter. 

The following constitutional provision is adopted also by every Grand Lodge, 
its blanks being filled at the will of the Subordinate Lodge, and the words Su- 
preme Lodge being replaced by the name of the Grand Lodge in the jurisdiction 
of which the Subordinate Lodge is formed. 

4. Name and style. This Lodge shall be known as 

Lodge,. No. — , of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, 

of . It shall consist of not less than ten members, and shall 

possess the powers and privileges of a Subordinate Lodge 
within the jurisdiction of said Supreme Lodge. 

Art. I, Const, of Subordinate Lodges. 

5. No Lodge to be named after living person. In some of the Grand 
jurisdictions a rule or law has been adopted which prohibits giving to any Lodge 
the name of a living person, in accordance with the following from the Digest , 
1st Ed. : 

“ No Subordinate Lodge shall be named after any living person.” 

Dig. , 1st Ed. , par. 331. 

NAME OF MEMBER. 

1. Ballot cast for “ Nickname.” 

See Election, par. 24. 

, NEAREST LODGE. 

See Residence. 


294 


NEW LODGES 


NEGLECT OF DUTY. 

See Removals and Vacancies. 

NEW LODGES. 

1. Organization of Lodges. Any ten or more persons, 
having the prescribed qualifications, residing in a State, District 
or Territory, under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme 
Lodge, may petition the Supreme Master Workman, or if resid- 
ing in the jurisdiction of a Grand Lodge, may petition the 
Grand Master Workman of such jurisdiction for a charter for a 
Subordinate Lodge. 

Law 2 of Gen. Application. 

See Charters. 

2. Note . — Grand Lodges have the power to fix the fee for the degrees in the 
institution of new Lodges, so as to require only the payment of the fee for 
charter and supplies, besides the payment of medical examinations, certificate 
and advance assessment to the beneficiary fund. 

Law ii, of Gen. App. 

See Degrees, par. 26. 

3. Note . — Fee for deposit of card. The minimum fee to be paid by a 
member of the Order joining a new Lodge by card is two dollars, ( see Fees, 
par. 5. L. 3, of Gen. App.) Grand Lodges have the power to increase the 
amount of this fee. 

Dig., 1st EL., par. 614. 

4. Organization of Lodges. The G. L. Const, of Ohio requires not less 
than fifteen charter applicants, residents of Ohio, and not supsended or expelled 
in any jurisdiction. 

Members depositing cards from other jurisdictions must also furnish ap- 
proved medical examiner’s certificate, with clearance card. 

A person suspended or expelled from any Lodge of the Order is made inel- 
igible by § 8, Art. X, Ohio Const., which section also provides that a beneficiary 
certificate issued to such a person shall be null and void, and all payments made 
by such a person shall be forfeited. 

Instituting officers are directed to read the section mentioned to charter appli- 
cants before the balloting for members at the time of institution. 

5. Joining new Lodge by card. Members of the Order, withdrawing 
from their Lodge for the purpose of starting a new Lodge may unite in said 


NEW LODGES. 


295 


petition. The cards of such members shall be presented to the instituting officer, 
and by him deposited in the new Lodge, the Recorder of which shall, within one 
week thereafter, notify the Lodge from which the card emanated of such deposit. 
The fee for deposit of card in such case shall not be less two dollars. 

Z. 3, of Gen. App. 

6. Note . — By Law 20, of Gen. App. ( see title Clearance Card, par. 33) it is 
made the duty of the investigating committee, on an application for membership 
i'n a Lodge by deposit of card, to inquire of the Lodge granting the card whether 
all assessments for the beneficiary fund have been paid. It is the duty of the 
instituting officer of a new Lodge to satisfy himself that the same is the case 
with the cards to be deposited in such Lodge. 

7. Note — Members joining by card from a different beneficiary jurisdiction 
must pass a medical examination the same as a new applicant. In all other re- 
spects, such members are admitted the same as those of the same jurisdiction. 

See title Clearance Card, par. 43. ( Law 23, of Gen. App.) 

8 . Expelled or suspended members cannot be charter members. A 

person cannot be taken as a charter member in the organization of anew Lodge 
who is a suspended or expelled member of any Lodge in this Order, without his 
having been first reinstated in the Lodge from which he was so suspended or 
expelled. 

Pro. 5th Ann. Sess. S . Z., p. 188. 

See Delinquent and Defunct Lodges, par. 6, L. 36, of Gen. App. 

9. Each applicant on the petition for a charter, except 
members as provided in the foregoing section, must present 
therewith a certificate (in the form prescribed by the Supreme 
Lodge) of a regular practicing physician, who must be a mem- 
ber of the Order when practicable, that the applicant is in 
sound bodily health, and has no defect which, in the opinion of 
the medical examiner, is calculated to shorten life, and is a fit 
subject to participate in the beneficiary fund. 

Law 4 op Gen. App. 

10. Ontario. When a new Lodge is organized by a medical man, each ap- 
plicant must be examined by another local medical examiner in addition to the 
examination of the application by the Provincial Medical Examiner. 

Resolution G. L. Ont ., 1882, p. 61. 


296 


NEW LODGES. 


11. Illinois. The constitution of Illinois provides that the certificate must 
be from “a regular practicing physician, who must be a member of the Order, 
if there be one or more such residing at the town or city where the Lodge is 
proposed to be organized.” 

Art. XI, § 4, Const. G. L. III. 

12. The petitioners shall meet at the time and place fixed 
upon by the instituting officer, and, under the direction of the 
Supreme Master Workman or his Deputy, or of the Grand Mas- 
ter Workman or his Deputy, as the case may be, proceed to vote 
by secret ballot for each applicant in turn, in alphabetical order. 
If two or more black balls appear against an applicant he shall 
be declared rejected, and his petition for membership in the 
Order shall not be again considered for the period of six months 
thereafter. 

L. 5, of Gen. App. 

13. It is necessary for applicants who petition within thirty days after the. 
organization of a new Lodge to have their petitions referred and acted upon 
the next week. 

The matter cannot be acted upon informally by instanter report, ballot and 
initiation. 

14. Ten members required. If after the balloting pre- 
scribed in the preceding section, it is found that less than ten 
members have been elected, the Lodge shall not be instituted 
until the required number is made up. When ten or more have 
been elected, they shall be instructed in the degrees, after which 
they shall proceed, under the direction of the instituting officer, 
and elect a Past Master Workman, a Master Workman, a Fore- 
man, an Overseer, a Recorder, a Receiver, a Financier, a Guide, 
and an Inside and Outside Watchman, and three Trustees. 

Z. 6, of Gen. App. 

15. Term of officers of new Lodg’e. All the officers ex 
cept the Trustees, elected at the institution of a Lodge, shall 
serve until the end of the term in which they have been elected ; 
provided there are more than thirteen weeks of said term to 
run at the time of the election. If there are less than thirteen 


NEW LODGES 


297 


weeks of said term to run, said officers shall serve until the end 
of the next term, and either of said terms, as the case may be, 
shall be called the first term of such Lodge. 

L. 7, of Gen. App. 

16. Lodges organized less than thirteen weeks before a meeting of the 
Grand Lodge do not elect representatives nor pay capitation tax. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1879 , p. 183. 

See § 7, Art. XI, G. L. Const. III. 

Note . — This fixes the “end of the term ” instead of the G. L. session, as the 
time to which computation shall be made. 

17. Trustees. One of the Trustees shall be elected to serve 
until the end of the term for which the other officers are elected ; 
one to serve six months longer than the first, and one to serve 
twelve months longer than the first; and at the end of the term 
for which they were severally elected, their successors shall be 
elected to serve terms of eighteen months each. 

L. 8, of Gen. App. 

The election of officers shall take place after the degrees are conferred on the 
charter members. 

Dig. 1 st Ed., par. 609. 

18. In instituting new Lodges, the applications and med- 
ical examiner’s certificates of the charter members thereof shall 
be attested and approved by the instituting officer, and in such 
cases the degrees may be conferred as provided in Article X, 
Section 3 of this constitution; the instituting officer, as soon as 
the Lodge is organized, forwarding to the Grand or Supreme 
Medical Examiner, as the case may be, said applications and 
medical examiner’s certificates with the required fee. Upon the 
return of said applications to the Lodge, duly approved by the 
Grand or Supreme Medical Examiner, the Lodge will forward 
the same, together with the fee for beneficiary certificate, to the 
Grand or Supreme Recorder, as the case may be. 

Art. VIII, § 18, Sup. L. Const. 


r 


298 


NOMINATIONS. 


19. Tennessee. Upon the institution of a new Lodge the degrees may be 
conferred and the Lodge instituted, but no beneficiary certificate shall be issued, 
nor shall any liability be incurred by this G. L. until such subordinate examina- 
tions and applications shall have been submitted to and been approved by the 
State Medical Examiner. 

Regulation No. 20, G. L. of Tenn. 

20. When members not liable to assessment. Members of a Lodge 
which is instituted on the same day a brother dies are not liable to assess- 
ment on the death. 

Pro G. L. III., 1880, p. 167. 

Ibid , 1879./. i8 3* 

21. The same rule is observed in Michigan, and is the general rule 
throughout the Order. 

See Assessment, par. 13, 14, 15. 

22. Supplies. The supplies to be furnished a Subordinate 
Lodge at its institution shall be regulated by the body grant- 
ing the charter; provided, in all cases, that the charter, ritual- 
istic work, constitutions, blank books and forms necessary to 
properly conduct the business of the Lodge shall be furnished 
at the prescribed fee. 

23. A refusal by one of two existing Lodges to allow the organization of 
a neighboring new Lodge may be overruled by the Grand Master Workman. 

Pro. G. L. Tex., 1883, p. 37. 

NOMINATIONS. 

1. Nominations for candidates for elective offices shall be 
made at the stated meeting immediately preceding the election, 
and the presiding officer shall not close the nominations until 
every member present has had an opportunity to speak. A 
member who is duly qualified may be nominated, though he be 
absent from the meeting. 

Art. VII, § 1, Sub. L. Const., 

2. No nominations for any office shall be made on the 
night of the election unless a majority of the Lodge consent 


NOTICE 


299 


thereto; and votes polled for members who have not been duly 
nominated shall be cancelled by the tellers. 

Art. VII, § 2, Sub. L Const. 

3. In Tennessee, elections take place with or without nominations, as 
the Lodge may at the time determine. 

4. Note. The rule in regard to the subject in the above sections of the con- 
stitution governs in Subordinate Lodges under the immediate jurisdiction of the 
Supreme Lodge, and in all other cases unless Grand Lodges provide otherwise. 

5. Minnesota. Nominations for candidates for elective offices shall be made 
at the stated meeting immediately preceding the election, and on the night of 
election. 

Art. VII, § 1, Sub. L. Const.. Minn. 

6. Nominations and elections in Subordinate Lodges are held on the same 
evening in Illinois, Missouri, New York, and Wisconsin. 

In the remainder of the jurisdictions, provisions identical with or substan- 
tially resembling Art. VII are incorporated in the constitution. 

In Michigan no provision is made for nominations. 

NON-RESIDENT. 

t 

See Residence. 

NOTICE. 

1. Nevada. Every member shall record with the Financier his address, and 
such record shall be deemed his address until he directs a change of record. 

Notices sent by postal or usual method to the recorded address shall be 
deemed legal service of notice, and a bar to any plea of want of notice. 

Const. Sub. L. Nevada , Art. XVI, § 1. 

2. Notice — Sister Lodges must be notified of rejections, suspensions, 
expulsions, and reinstatements. (§ 5, Art. XI, Ohio Gen. Laws.) 

Pro. G. L. Ohio , 1883. 

3. Notice — Assessment, service of. 

See Assessment, par. 8, 31, 43, etc. 

4. Every member of a Subordinate Lodge shall cause the Financier to re- 
cord the address in full of such member, and such address so recorded shall be 
deemed the address of such member until he shall cause a change thereof to be 


I 


300 


NOTICE. 


made by the Financier, whereupon such new address shall be deemed the ad- 
dress of the member. 

Notice sent by postal or other usual methods, directed and prepaid to the mem- 
ber at the address thus recorded, shall be deemed legally served, and proof of 
such service shall be a bar to any plea of want of notice. 

Substantially the above provision is adopted by Nevada G. L., Art. XVI, 
Const. Sub.. L. Nevada. 

5. Notices of rejection sent on a postal card are illegal. Such notices 
should be enclosed. 

Pro. G. L. California, 1880, p. 84. 

6. Notice of rejection of a candidate is immediately sent to all Lodges 
within a radius of fifteen miles. 

Const. Sub. L., in Illinois, Art. II, § 4. 


o. 

OBJECTS OF THE ORDER. 

I. Pretermitting all reference to nationality, political opinions or denomi- 
national distinctions or preferences, but believing in the existence of a God, the 
Creator and Preserver of the Universe, and recognizing as a fundamental prin- 
ciple, that usefulness to ourselves and others is a duty which should be the con- 
stant aim and care of all, the following are submitted as the aims and purposes 
of the “ Ancient Order of United Workmen : ” 

1. To embrace and give equal protection to all classes and kinds of labor, 
mental and physical; to strive earnestly to improve the moral, intellectual and 
social conditions of its members; to endeavor, by wholesome precepts, fraternal 
admonitions and substantial aid, to inspire a due appreciation of the stern reali- 
ties and responsibilities of life. 

2. To create a fund for the benefit of its members during sickness or other 
disability, and in case of death, to pay a stipulated sum to such person or per- 
sons as may be designated by each member, thus enabling him to guarantee his 
family against want. 

3. The adoption of such secret work and means of recognition as will insure 
the protection of its members wherever the Order may exist. 

4. To hold lectures, read essays, discuss new inventions and improvements; 
encourage research in art, science and literature, and when. practicable, maintain 
a library for the improvement of the members. 

2. Extension of the Order. The Order may be extended into the Can- 
adas and the British Possessions in North America, but not into other foreign 
countries. 

Pro . 7 th Ann. Sess. S. L , /. 125. 

3. Into malarial districts. It is the judgment of the Supreme Lodge that 
the extension of the Order any further in the sections of the country visited by 
the late epidemic, or liable to be so visited hereafter by such epidemics, should 
cease; and this, without any feeling of exclusiveness or of unkindness towards 
those who may desire to unite with us, but only as a proper precautionary 
measure. 

Pro. ~ith Ann. Sess. S. L.. p. 141. 

4. Although one of the cardinal objects of our beneficiary system is to 
make provision for the family, yet a member may, under the law as it now 
stands, direct the payment of his death benefit to a creditor, or to a Lodge of 
the Order, or to persons not related to him nor to any of his family. 

Pro. G. L. IVis., 1881. 


/ 


302 


ODES. 


5. Note. — See Beneficiary Certificates, par. 74, 75, and following decis- 
ions. See also Beneficiary Fund, par. 79. 

6. Ohio. The Supreme court of Ohio has held as follows with reference to 
beneficiary certificates of beneficiary organizations : 

“ Such a contract of insurance to pay in case of a member’s death, to himself, 
or assigns, to his estate, to his executors or administrators, or to any person, 
whether a relation or not, who is not of his family or heirs , is against public pol- 
icy , , and void. 

Pro. G. L. Ohio , 1883. 

7. It is contrary to the aims and objects ot our organization to direct 
the payment of beneficiary certificates to parties bearing no relationship to the 
member, as pledges or security, etc, instead of making them payable to the fam- 
ily or heirs. 

Pro. G. L. Mich., 1881, p. 25. 

8. Use of the word “insurance.” The word “ insurance ” should not be 
printed upon any returns or other official papers in the Supreme Lodge or any 
Grand or Subordinate Lodge. 

Pro. ~jth Ann. Sess. S. L., p. 150. 

9. A member of the Order who may be taken sick in the jurisdiction of a 
Lodge other than his own is entitled to the same care and attention as members 
in their own jurisdiction. 

Pro. G. L. Wis., 1882 , p. 14. 

10. A political subject should not be debated in a Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. California , 1884, p. 56. 

OBJECTIONS— OBJECTORS. 

See Applications for Membership, par. 20, 21. 

See also Ballot, par. r, 22, et seq. 

OCCUPATION. 

See Intoxicating Liquor, par. 6 to 10. 

* 

ODES. 


See Ritual, par. 7. 


OFFENSES. 


803 


OFFENSES. 

1. Any officer or member of a Lodge of this Order, who 
shall knowingly and willfully convert or appropriate to his own 
use, or to the use of any other person, contrary to the laws and 
regulations of the Order, any moneys belonging to the general 
or beneficiary fund, shall be tried, and if found guilty of the 
charge, shall, in addition to any civil or criminal proceedings 
that may be instituted against him, be expelled from the Order, 
and be forever debarred from again becoming a member of the 
Order. 

L. 39, of Gen. App. 

2. Any officer or member of a Lodge of this Order, who 
may be charged with immoral or unbecoming conduct, shall be 
tried in accordance with the laws of the Order in the Subordi- 
nate Lodge of which he is a member ; provided, that should 
such immoral or unbecoming conduct be committed while at- 
tending the session of the Supreme Lodge or of the Grand 
Lodge, of which he is a member, said bodies shall have full 
power to proceed to trial and decide the case. 

Law 40, of Gen. App. 

3. When offense not condoned. A member of the Lodge was dismissed^ 
by his employer for embezzlement, and thereafter attempted suicide but failed, 
and was indicted in the State courts. 

He was assisted by members of the Lodge to raise several hundred dollars to 
pay the amount embezzled, under the promise, by him, to repay the advances, 
but this promise was not fulfilled. 

Held that the Lodge might deal with him for the embezzlement. 

Pro. G. L. Tex., 1882, p. 9. 

4. Oregon, Washington and British Columbia. It is made unlawful 
for any person to electioneer for himself or another for any office in the Grand 
or any Subordinate Lodge, and any person found guilty of such unlawful act is 
liable to punishment, in the discretion of the Grand Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Or. and Wash. T., 1881 , p. 31. 

5. The circulation of documents by Subordinate Lodges calling upon 
representatives to the Grand Lodge to support certain members for office is con- 


304 


OFFENSES. 


trary to the spirit and genius of our Order, and is calculated to bring it into dis- 
repute with the outside world. Such conduct was condemned by resolution of 
the Grand Lodge, from motives of self-protection and self-respect. 

Pro. G. L. Texas , 1882,/. 34. 

6. Fraudulently gaining membership in the Order is an offense. 

Pro. $th Ann. Sess. Sup. L.,p. 311. 

See Membership, par. 7. 

7. To hold business meetings or picnics or excursions on Sunday, or to 
publicly advertise either of them in connection with the name of the Order or 
a Lodge, is an offense. 

Z. 23, of Gen. App. 

See Meetings, par. 6 and 21. 

8. Any act of moral turpitude. Art. XV, § 1, does not exclude matters 
which can be brought before a court of justice. 

Any act involving moral turpitude should be investigated by the Lodge 
whether the courts act or not. 

Pro. G. L. Kansas , 1881, p. 91. 

9. A brother is amenable to the Order who has been found guilty of 
selling liquor without a license, contrary to law, or one who has been convicted 
of bastardy. 

Charges should be preferred against brothers for violation of any laws of the 
State. 

Pro. G. L. Ills ., 1879, p. 179. 

10. Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona. The constitution of this juris- 
diction exempts the “general fund” from a provision otherwise substantially 
like L. 39 op G. A. 

Art. Ill, § 2, By-Laws G. L. Col., etc. 

But all laws and regulations of general application adopted by the Supreme 
Lodge are recognized as of binding force. 

Art. XII, G. L. Const. Col., etc. 

The same remark applies to Maryland, N. J. and Del. 

Art. Ill, §. 3, By-Laws G. L. Maryland , etc. 

Art. XII, G. L. Const. Maryland , etc. 

11. Publications reflecting on members of the Order. The publication 
of any circular or other printed matter unjustly reflecting upon the Supreme 


OFFENSES. 


305 


Lodge, or upon a Grand or Subordinate Lodge, or upon the official conduct of 
any brother holding an official position in the Order, is an offense, and the party 
offending, whether an individual member of the Order or a Lodge (Grand or 
Subordinate), shall be dealt with as prescribed by the laws of the Order, and 
such penalty inflicted as the body trying the offender may deem right and proper. 

Dig. 1st Ed., par. 670. 

f 

See Circulars. 

12. Money of the Order not to be used by officers. It is unlawful for 

any officer of the Supreme, Grand or Subordinate Lodges to use in his own bus- 
iness, or loan to others to use, or in any way to speculate or derive profit from 
any funds of the Order in his possession, and any such officer who shall do so, 
is guilty of embezzlement, and is liable not only to be expelled from the Order, 
but to be prosecuted criminally for embezzlement. 

Pro. 3 d Ann. Sess. S. L.,p. 89. 

See Trials. 

13. Money of the Order. It is in conflict with our laws for an officer of 
the Grand Lodge, who holds its funds, to receive in any way any compensation 
or interest on said funds outside of that paid by the Grand Lodge as salary for 
his services. 

Pro. G. L. Tenn ., 1883, p. 40. 

14. For a brother to use intoxicating liquor to such an extent as to 
produce “ delirium tremens” or to be almost constantly intoxicated, is such im- 
moral and unbecoming conduct, and violation of the laws and principles of the 
Order, as to call for his expulsion. 

It is the .duty of the Lodge to protect and uphold the good name of the Order, 
and to protect it also from the payment of $2,000 upon the death of such a mem- 
ber by proceeding against him at once. The fact that such a member ^eeps his 
dues and assessments paid up is no bar to expulsion. 

Pro. G. L. Ohio , 1883. 

Intemperance is an offense for which members may be expelled. 

See Intemperance, par. 1. 

15. Revealing result of ballot. To reveal to persons, outside of the 
Order, the fact of a candidate having been black-balled is a crime for which the 
offending member may be tried and punished. 

G. L. Mo. 

Seep. 53, Const, etc., Appendix , Ed. 1882. 

See Ballot, par. 6, et seq. 

20 


306 


OFFENSES. 


16. Revealing fact of charges made. It is neither right nor proper for a 
member of a Lodge to inform outsiders that charges have been preferred against 
him, and to take legal counsel upon such charges. 

Pro. G. L. Kansas , 1882,^. 18. 

17. Retention of funds by instituting officer. A Deputy G. M. W., on 
the institution of a new Ledge, claimed and retained from its funds for services, 
etc., in its organization, a sum alleged to be in excess of proper charges. 

The claims for the return by the D. G. M. W. of the amount overcharged 
being presented to the G. L. for action, that body were of the opinion that it 
had no jurisdiction. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1882, p. 476. 

On appeal to the Supreme Lodge 

Held “ The Deputy acts as the agent of the Grand Lodge, and if, in the 
course of his agency, he collect money which he should pay to the Subordinate 
Lodge and fails to so pay it, the matter lies between the principal, to wit, the 
Grand Lodge and the Subordinate Lodge.” 

The appeal was sustained, and the matter remanded to the Grand Lodge for 
action on the claim. 

Pro. Sup. L. 10 th Ann. Sess., 1882 , p. 596. * 

18. The G. L. of Nevada took action upon complaints of Subordinate 
Lodges analogous in principle to the foregoing case. 

Pro. G. L. Nev. 1882, p. 34. 

And directed repayment to the Subordinate Lodge of the amount overcharged 
from the funds of the Grand Lodge, and the prosecution of the Deputy by civil 
action; and further 

Resolved , that the Deputy’s extortion was a violation of his obligation, and 
deserved expulsion. 

Pro. G. L. Nev., 1883, p. 98. 

19. A Recorder who resigns his-office and refuses, without sufficient ex- 
cuse, to keep the minutes of the Lodge until his successor is elected and installed, 
is guilty of a violation of his obligation, and should be dealt with for the same. 

Pro. G. L. Ill , 1883, p. 488. 

20. Refusal to surrender property and effects of a suspended or dis- 
solved Lodge may forever exclude from membership the person so refusing. 


L. 24, App. to G. Z." 


OFFICERS. 


307 


21. A member guilty of rudeness in the presence of visiting brothers 
should have been reprimanded by the Master Workman at the time of the com- 
mission of the offense. Charges can be preferred, but the member cannot be 
punished without trial. 

Pro . G. L . 111 ., 1 88 1, p. 269. 

22. Lodges refusing to punish offenders forfeit charter. 

See Charter, par. 27. 

OFFENSIVE AND IMPROPER WORDS. 

See Rules of Order for the government of Subordinate Lodges. 

OFFICERS. 

1. The officers Of the Lodge shall be a Master Workman, 
Foreman, Overseer, Recorder, Receiver, Financier, Guide, an 
Inside and Outside Watchman, who shall with their own consent 
be elected semi-annually, by separate ballot, at the last stated 
meetings in the months of June and December. The retiring 
M. W. shall take the chair of the P. M. W., except at the institu- 
tion of a new Lodge, when the P. M. W. shall be elected. There 
shall also be three Trustees, one of whom shall be elected to 
serve for the term of eighteen months, in such manner as to 
have two remaining over at each election. 

Art. VI, § 1, Sup. L. Const. 

2. Note. — In Pennsylvania the election takes place at the last stated meet- 
ing in May and November. In New York and Michigan at the last meeting in 
December only, the officers serving one year. 

All Subordinate Lodges are required to be officered as above, according to 
the settled laws of the Order and the requirements of the Ritual. In New York 
the Guide and Watchman are not elected, but appointed by the Master Work- 
man. 

3. All officers of a Lodge are installed to serve for a certain term or un- 
til their successors are duly elected and installed. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 382. 

4. All officers and representatives hold their positions until their succes- 
sors are duly elected and installed. — Ibid , 343. 


308 


OFFICERS 


5. In case of vacancy in office (in Subordinate Lodge), the brother filling 
the vacancy to the end of the term shall be entitled to all the honors thereto 
belonging. — Ibid , 384. 

6. Relative rank of officers. The elective officers of a Subordinate Lodge 

rank in the following order : 1. Master Workman; 2. Foreman; 3. Overseer; 

4. Recorder; 5. Receiver; 6 . Financier; 7. Guide; 8. Inside Watchman; 9. 
Outside Watchman. 

See Sub. L. Const., Art. VI, also Ritual. 

7. For laws and decisions relating to particular officers, their duties, etc. , 
see the title of officers, as Master Workman, etc. 

8. Re-election. All officers of a Subordinate Lodge except P. M. W. are 
eligible for re-election. 

Any P. M. W. (not serving his term) is eligible to election to any office in the 
Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1882 , p. 13. 

See Honors, par. 1 to 6. 

Past Master Workman, etc. 

9. A member cannot serve in both the offices of Financier and Recorder 
at the same time. 

Pro. G. L. Tenn., 1881 , p. 14. 

Pro. G. L. Md., N. J '., and Del., 1883,/. 17. 

10. It is contrary to policy to allow one person to hold both the offices of 
Financier and Receiver. 

Pro . G. L. Kansas, 1881, p. 91. 

11. Question. Can the two offices of Recorder and Receiver be held by 
one and the same person ? that is, can one brother hold two elective offices ? 

Ans. No. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1882, p. 118. 

12. The Master Workman cannot hold the office of trustee. 

Pro. G. L. California , 1884, p. 58. 

13. A Master Workman may, at the same time, be a medical examiner, 
also. 

Pro. G. L. Kansas, 1882,/. 10. 


OFFICERS. 


309 


14. The offices of Recorder and medical examiner may be held by the 
same person. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1884. 

See Medical Examiner. 

15. It is an irregularity to elect one brother to two Lodge offices. The 
spirit of the constitution requires that each office be separately filled in order to 
secure the best working of our system of Lodge government. 

Pro. G. L. Wis., 1 88 r , p. 18. 

16. Any officer in the “ working force ” can hold the office of trustee, 
but no officer can hold two positions in the “ working force.” 

Pro. G. L. Mich., 1878,/. 22. 

17. Holding the office of trustee does not debar the member from hold- 
ing another office. 

Dec. G. M. IV., Pro. G. L. Ky., 1882, p. 11. 

Note . — See following decision. 

18. The duties of the offices of Trustee and Receiver are such as to make 
them incompatible. 

Pro. G. L. Pa., 1883,/. 26. 

He may elect which he will hold. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1879 , p. 181. 

19. Note. — This also holds good as to the offices of M. W., 'Financier, and 
Recorder. 

20. Term of office — extension of term unlawful. It is not competent for 
a Grand Lodge to provide by resolution or otherwise that its officers shall hold 
their offices to a period extending beyond its annual meeting next ensuing. 

Pro. $th Ann. Sess , p. 301. 

21. Note. — Grand Lodge officers hold their offices until their successors are 
elected, or appointed and installed. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 144. 

Terms of officers. 

See Meetings, par. 5. 


310 


OFFICERS. 


-v 


22. Terms of officers of new Lodge. All the officers ex- 
cept the Trustees, elected at the institution of a Lodge, shall 
serve until the end of the term in which they have been elected; 
provided there are more than thirteen weeks of said term to run 
at the time of the election. If there are less than thirteen 
weeks of said term to run, said officers shall serve until the end 
of the next term, and either of said terms, as the case may be, 
shall be called the first term of such Lodge. 

L. 7, of Gen. App . 

23. Officers holding from June to December have filled a legal term, al- 
though in July following their election their Lodge meetings were changed from 
weekly to semi-monthly. 

Pro. G. L . ///., 18S1,/. 269. 

\ 

24. Change of term. A Lodge after its election of officers for a semi- 
annual term changes its meetings from once a week to fortnightly ; the officers 
hold their office for the term for which they were elected, and not for one year. 

Pro . G. L. Tenn ., 1879, -p. 66. 

25. Change of term. Officers of Subordinate Lodges where elected and 
installed for the term of one year must serve their full term, notwithstanding the 
Lodge, before the expiration of six months, changes its meetings from semi- 
monthly or fortnightly to weekly. 

Pro. G. L. Wis., 1881. 

26. Service required. An officer who is elected at the beginning of a term 
must serve a majority of the nights (except in case of sickness, etc.) to be enti- 
tled to the honors of the office, and must be in the chair at the end of the term; 
but an officer elected to fill a vacancy at the close of a term, if he serve but a 
single night, is entitled to the honors of the office. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1882, p. 15. 

See Honors. 

27. The term of officers in Lodges meeting semi-monthly shall be one year, 
and the time of election shall be at the last stated meeting in December. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1879, p. 173. 

28. Any member who neglects or refuses to pay the dues 
as fixed by the by-laws of the Lodge, for the period of three 




OVERSEER. 311 


months, shall not be entitled to vote, and shall be disqualified 
from holding office. 

Art. XI, § 2, Sub. L. Const. 

OFFICIAL BONDS. 

See Bonds of Officers. 

OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS. 

i. Should be under seal. 

See Seal. 

OFFSETS. 

I. If a member holds a warrant and the"Receiver cannot*lift it, the' Finan- 
cier cannot receive it and give the brother credit for assessments, as'the bene- 
ficiary fund is a Grand Lodge fund. 

See Minutes of the loth Ann. Sess. G. L. Pa. 

See Assessments, 77-80. 

ORDER OF BUSINESS. 

See Rules. 

ORGANIZATION OF NEW LODGES. 

See New Lodges. 

OUTSIDE WATCHMAN. 

See Watchman. 

OVERSEER. 

1. The Overseer shall perform such duties as are required 
of him by the laws, rules and regulations of the Order, and, in 
the absence of the Foreman, shall fill his place. 

Art. X, § 4, Sub. L . Const. 

2. Note. — The Overseer is ex officio a member of the relief committee. 

See Relief Committee, par. 1. 


312 


OVERSEER. 


3. It is the duty of the Overseer to assist the Master Workman and Fore- 
man in preserving order; to take charge of and arrange the tools of the Lodge 
during its sessions; to see that members are properly instructed in the signs of 
the Order; and, when requested by the Master Workman, to take his station and 
confer the Junior Workman’s degree. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 425. 

4. Illinois. When P. M. W., M. W. and F. are absent, the Overseer has no 
right to call the Lodge to order for the transaction of business. 

Any P. M. W. of the Lodge may open it. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 18.80, p. 165. 

5. In Tennessee the Overseer, in the absence of the Foreman, succeeds to 
the latter’s duties for all purposes. 

Art. V, § 3, Const. Sup. L. Tennessee. 

6. In case of the death, resignation, etc., of the M. W. and F., the Lodge 
would be required to elect a Master Workman to serve the balance of the term. 
At the expiration of which he shall be entitled to the honors of the office. The 
Lodge may elect the Overseer to serve the balance of the term as M. W. In 
that case the Lodge would be required to elect a F. and O. to serve the balance 
of the term. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 80. 

7. In the absence of the M. W. and F. for the evening, the Overseer will 
take the chair of the F , and a Past Master Workman will take the chair of the 
Master Workman. 


Penna. Rev. Dec., 81. 


p 


x PASSWORD. 

l« Semi-annual password. The semi-annual password shall be promul- 
gated to all Subordinate Lodges at the first stated meetings in January and July, 
or as soon thereafter as the officers may be installed. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 589. 

2. The password should be communicated to Subordinate Lodges by the 
District Deputy Grand Master Workman or installing officer, orally, and not by 
key. 

Pro. "]th Ann. Sess. S. L ., p. 150. 

3. District Deputy Grand Master Workmen have no right to give the 
password to any person except the proper officers of the Lodges, who are in- 
stalled by them. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1882, p . 14. 

4. A brother is entitled to the semi-annual password so long as he is not 
suspended from the Order — Ibid, 590. 

5. A brother three months in arrears for dues is entitled to the semi- 
annual password, if not otherwise disqualified. — Ibid, 591. 

6. The Master Workman of a Lodge cannot communicate the semi-annual 
password on a verbal order. A written order, signed by the proper officers and 
attested by the seal of the Lodge, is necessary. — Ibid, 592. 

7. The Master Workman cannot instruct a visiting brother in the signs or 
passwords unless the brother has a written order under the seal of his Lodge, 
making request of the Master Workman to instruct him therein. 

Dig. , 1st Ed., par. 72. 

See Visitors. 

8. Not transmissible by letter. A Lodge or Lodge officer has no right to 
transmit password to an absent member by letter. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1884. 

9. No one should be permitted to enter the Lodge without the password. 
Officers passing in and out of the Lodge on business may, by consent, be excused 
from doing so, but such a practice is not to be commended. 

Pro. Sth Ann. Sess. Sup. L ., 1880, p. 185. , 


314 


PASSWORD. 


10. A member cannot vouch for another. The visitor must have the pass- 
word. 

Pro. Penn. G. L., 1883, p. 24. 

11. Received in Lodge room. When a brother, without the password, but 
who is entitled to it, presents himself, he should be admitted and receive it. 
The Master Workman should not retire to the ante room to communicate it. 

Pro. G. L. Kansas , 1882, p. 13. 

12. The M. W. of the Lodge will retain or destroy the order for semi- 
annual password in all cases. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 19. 

13. On conferring degrees the password shall be whispered in the ear of 
the candidate. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1881, p. 261. 

14. Whispered. The degree password must always be given in a whisper. 

Pro. G. L. Cal , 1881, p. 16. 

15. The password should not be given aloud by the M. W. in conferring 
the M. W. degree. 

The S. A. P. W. must not be given on an old order. 

Pro. G.. L. of Pa., 1883, p. 24. 

16. The password should not be spoken aloud, but whispered. The Guide 
has no auihority to communicate it to members. 

Pro. G. L. Kansas, 1880, p. 10. 

17. Member in arrears. A member is not entitled to the password if in 
arrears for dues, fines or assessments. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1879,/. 183. 

18. Member in arrears. The password cannot be given to a member in 
arrears for dues. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1879, p. 178. 

19. Member in arrears. Where the by-laws of a Lodge provide that dues 
must be paid in advance, a member who has not paid dues in advance is entitled 
to the S. A. P. W. as long as he is not suspended from the Order. 


PASSWORD 


315 


20. The Master Workman may give the S. A. P. W. to a brother who is 
suspended for non-payment of the last assessment. 

He is entitled to the S. A. P. W. so long as he is not suspended from the 
Order. 

Pro . G. L. Ills ., 1883, p. 487. 

Note. — Beneficiary articles like those of Michigan and New York provide for 
forfeiture of all rights and privileges of the Order on non-payment of assessments. 

21. Member in arrears. A member although in arrears for dues is, unless 
he is suspended, entitled to the S. A. P. W. Until suspension he is entitled to a 
seat in the Lodge, and so long as he is permitted to hold his seat he should be 
allowed the means of reaching the body of the Lodge or Lodge-room. 

Pro. G. L. Tenn., 1878, p. 15. 

22. Member indebted to Lodge. A brother is entitled to the password, 
having paid all dues and assessments, although he owes the Lodge money and 
refuses to pay the same. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1883, p. 486. 

23. To obtain the password an absent brother, holding a clearance card, 
should obtain from his Lodge an order, under seal, for the password, directed to 
the Master Workman of any Lodgedn the Order. 

On this sealed order the password should only be communicated at the Lodge 
or ante rooms, and then only after satisfactory examination. 

The order should in every instance be destroyed by the Master Workman 
communicating the word. 

Pro. G. L. Minn., 1879, p. 22. 

Note. — The better plan is, when practicable, to have the order for the pass- 
word directed to the M. W. of some specified Lodge. 

24. Master Workman must communicate. Where, at the opening of a 
Lodge, a brother is without the password, the M. W. cannot instruct the Guide 
to communicate it. No one can do that but the Master Workman. 

Pro G. L. Ills., 1881, p. 261. 

25. The Master Workman only has the right to give the S A. P. W. 

Pro. G. L. Ky., 1879, p. 57. 

26. When given to visitor. A Master Workman cannot give the password 
to a visiting brother' unless he has a written request, under seal from his own 
Lodge to him, to do so. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1883 ,p. 488. 

Pro. G. L. Kansas, 1884, p. 12. 


316 


PAST MASTER WORKMAN DEGREE. 


27. A member holding a clearance card would be entitled to the S. A. P 
W. during the time for which the card was granted. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1880, p. 165. 

28. How member without password gains admission. The O. W. can- 
not admit a person to the ante-room without the S. A. P. W. He must report 
to the I. W., who reports to the M. W. The latter alone can admit without the 
S. A. P. W. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1879. 

29. The Master Workman may give the password to a brother in good 
standing, outside the Lodge-room. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1883, p. 488. 

30. The M. W. should never give the passwords to any brother unless 
he is informed by the Financier that said brother is entitled to them. 

See Minutes of <^th Semi- Ann. Sess. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 142. 

31. The M. W. must not empower the Guide to communicate the pass- 
word. loth A. S. G. L. Pa. 

\ 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 166, 167. 

32. The semi-annual password may be withheld from Subordinate Lodges 
by way of discipline for neglecting to recommend Lodge Deputies. 

See Pro. G. L. Minn., 1884, pp. 10, 38. 

PAST MASTER WORKMAN DEGREE. 

I Each Grand Lodge must confer the Past Master Work- 
man degree, without pecuniary consideration, upon a brother 
in good standing, who has legally performed the duties of Mas- 
ter Workman for one term, or the remainder of a term, in a 
Subordinate Lodge, and upon a brother in good standing who 
has been elected Past Master Workman at the institution of a 
new Lodge, or in case of his death, resignation, or removal from 
office, his successor, who shall have served the remainder of the 
term, and may confer said degree upon Grand Medical Exam- 
iners who are Master Workman degree members in good stand- 
ing of some Subordinate Lodge, and may also confer said 


PAST MASTER WORKMAN DEGREE. 


317 


degree upon Recorders, Receivers and Financiers of Subor- 
dinate Lodges who have served as such for three consecutive 
years, when their respective Lodges shall by resolution so re- 
quest, and upon no other person; provided that in either case 
the degree shall not be conferred unless he shall have served a 
majority of the meetings of the term, or remainder of the term 
for which he had been elected. 

Law 19, App. to G. L. 

2. How the title of Past Master Workman can be acquired. The title 
of Past Master Workman can be acquired only by election to the office of Past 
Master Workman at the institution of a Lodge; by serving a term as Master 
Workman; by filling an unexpired term of Master Workman by the Foreman, 
or by the election of a Master Workman degree member as a representative to 
participate in the organization of a Grand Lodge. 

Pro. 5 th Ann. Sess., S. L., pp. 263, 305. 

3. A brother who serves for two consecutive years as Recorder or Finan- 
cier of a Subordinate Lodge is not ipso facto entitled to the honors of Past Mas- 
ter Workman. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1884,-/. 669. 

4. Installation of Past Master Workman. A brother is a Past Master 
Workman as soon as he passes the Master Workman’s chair, although he may 
not have been installed as Past Master Workman, but he should be installed if 
possible. 

Dig., 1st Ed , par. 537. 

Pro. G. L. Pa., 1883 , p. 24. 

5. Service during one term. The fact that a brother occupies the office of 
Master Workman one term makes him a Past Master Workman, and he cannot 
be compelled to serve as Past Master Workman. 

A Master Workman may be re-elected as presiding officer, which fact does 
not deprive him of the honors of a Past Master Workman. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1884 , p. 665. * 

6. Installation, when necessary. A person who was elected P. M. W. at 
the installation of a new Lodge, but who was never installed, is not entitled to 
the honors. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1880, p. 161. 


» 


318 


PAST MASTER WORKMAN DEGREE. 


7. Appointment pro tem. The office of P. M. W. is not an elective one. 

After the first term, in case of the absence of all P. M. W. the M. W. shall 

appoint a member to act as such from among those most experienced. 

Pro. G. L. Wis., 1883, p. 10, 

8 . Representatives to organize Grand Lodge. If a Sub- 
ordinate Lodge, when notified to elect representatives to 
participate in the formation of a Grand Lodge, or at any 
subsequent election of representatives, is without the requisite 
number of Past Master Workmen in good standing, it may elect 
a number sufficient to fill the quota from the M. W. degree 
members in good standing, who, by virtue of such election and 
service as representatives, become Past Master Workmen. 

Law 4, of Gen. App. 

9. This rule was applied to the exclusion of M. W. degree members 
holding credentials as representatives by the G. L. of Ontario, 1883. 

Pro. G. L. Ont ., 1883, p. 56. 

10. Not elective. A Lodge cannot, by vote, confer the title of Past Mas 
ter Workman on a brother. 

Pro. G. L. Ills . , 1883, p. 489. 

11. How degree conferred. The P. M. W. degree can only be conferred 
by the Grand Lodge in session, and no dispensation can be granted authorizing 
it to be conferred otherwise. 

Pro. 8th Ann. Sess. Sup. L., 1880, p. 187. 

I 

12. When elected. If a Lodge has but one P. M. W. and he should die, 
the vacancy must be filled by electing another brother to said office. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1882, p. 14. 

13. P. M. W. does not hold over. When a Master Workman, at the close 
of his term of office, is re-elected for the ensuing term, the Junior Past Master 
Workman does not hold over without an election, but the Lodge must fill the 
position from among the Past Master Workmen of the Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Kansas , 1882, pp. 12, 84. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1883, p. 13. 

14. Ibid. Where a sitting Master Workman is re-elected, the office of P. M. 
W. becomes vacant, and it should be filled by election from the P. M. W. of the 


PAST MASTER WORKMAN DEGREE. 


319 


Lodge, if there are such; if not, then the office must be filled pro tem. from the 
floor by the Master Workman. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1880. 

15. Seniority. The Senior P. M. W. does not lose his seniority by being 
subsequently elected Master Workman, and after serving his term of office taking 
the chair of sitting or Junior P. M. W. 

Pro. Wis. G. L ., 1881, p. 18. 

16. Service required. At a Lodge meeting, held Sept. 22, 1879, G. , 

the Master Workman, requested “leave of absence for remainder of term," 
which was granted, and he was absent throughout the remainder of said term, 
during which time H., the Foreman, presided, exercising all the functions of 
Master Workman, 

At the regular meeting for installation, December 13, 1879, H. was installed a 
P. M. W. 

An appeal from this action was sustained by the G. M. W., who ordered that 
G. be awarded a certificate as P. M. W., and this decision was affirmed by the 
G. L. of Pennsylvania. 

On appeal to the Supreme Lodge, the latter body reversed the action of the 
G. L. of Pennsylvania. 

Pro. Sup. L., %th Ann. Sess ., 1880, p. 251. 

17. It is repugnant to the spirit and letter of our laws to grant honors to 
the membership unless honestly and faithfully earned. 

The honors pertaining to an office should be valued for services performed, 
and should not be obtained by other means. We fail to find anywhere in our 
laws that a Lodge can grant leave of absence and guarantee honors to a mem- 
ber. 

Pro. Sup. L., Zth Ann. Sess., 1880, p. 251. 

18. Service required. A Master Workman served as such until April 17, 
and removed from the jurisdiction of his Lodge April 24. 

The Foreman presided until the end of the term, which was, in this case, June 
30th. At a regular meeting held June 5th, the office of Master Workman was 
declared vacant, and at the meeting held June 12th, the Foreman who had acted 
as M. W. was installed Past Master Workman. 

This was held to be regular by the Supreme Lodge. 

Pro. Sup. L., 1880, pp. 250, 251. 280. 

Reversing decision G. L. Pennsylvania. 


320 


PAST MASTER WORKMAN DEGREE. 


# 

19. Service. A P. M. W. elected at the organization of a new Lodge in 
order to hold the honors of a P. M. W. must serve to the end of the term. 

Pro. G. L . California , 1880, p. 75. 

20. Service by Foreman. Where a Master Workman removed from the 
town at the middle of a term, but occupied the chair one night three weeks after 
such removal, the Foreman sitting as M. W. the remainder of the term, the 
latter should be installed as P. M. W. 

Pro. G. L. Or. and Wash , 1881, p. 11. 

21. Note. — The question of what constitutes “inability of the M. W. to 
serve ” must be left, in the first instance, to the Subordinate Lodge. 

22. Rights of Past Master Workmen. A Past Master Workman who 
has duly attained such rank by election or service, is not deprived of the same 
by resignation of his office. 

23. Eligibility to office. Past Master Workman degree 
members in good standing in the Order, although not represent- 
atives from Subordinate Lodges, are eligible to office in the 
Grand Lodge of which they are members. 

Law 15, App. to G. L. 

S. 

24. Note. — Transfer to other jurisdictions. A past officer joining an- 
other jurisdiction from that in which he attained his rank, is entitled to all its 
privileges and honors in the jurisdiction to which his membership is transferred. 

See Honors, par. 1 and 2. 

25. Subordinate office. A P. M. W. elected at the organization of a 
Lodge, but who has never filled any other chair, is eligible to election as M. W. 

But if he resigns as P. M. W. before the expiration of his term in that office, 
he is not eligible. He loses thereby all his honors as P. M. W. 

Pro. G. L. California , 1878, p. 20. 

26. Senior P. M. W. In retiring from the chair of P. M. W. the brother 
retains the honor of P. M. W. A P. M. W. may appear in the Lodge-room 
clothed in regalia (or badge) of a lower degree. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1880 , p. 162. 

27. Any P. M. W. may visit the G. L. of Missouri. 

Const . G. L. of Mo. 

See Visitors. 


PAST MASTER WORKMAN DEGREE. 


321 


28. Junior P. M. W. The sitting P. M. W. is an ex-officio officer of the 
Lodge by law, and he is an installed officer. 

Penna . Rev. Dec ., 17 1. 

Junior P. M. W. The sitting P. M. W. can be elected and is eligible to fill 
a vacancy in the office of Recorder, or other office in the Lodge. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 198. 

Pro. G. L. Md., N. J. and Del., 1883, p. 17. 

29. Duties of Past Master Workman. The P. M. W. shall assist in 
conducting the ceremonies, and perform such other duties as are enjoined by 
the laws, rules and regulations of the Order. 

Art. X, § 3, Sub. L. Const. 

For Installation, see that title, par. 4, 17, etc. 

30. Duties of Past Master Workman. It is the duty of the sitting Past 
Master Workman to exercise a supervisory care over the Lodge; to be the coun- 
selor and advisor of its officers and the brethren; and to attend to the devotional 
exercises of the Lodge in person, or have the same conducted by some suitable 
brother whom he may call upon to officiate in his stead. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 530. 

31. A Past Master Workman may choose some suitable person to act 
for him in his absence. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1883, p. 489. 

32. Kansas. When the Master Workman is three months and more in ar- 
rears, it is the duty of the sitting Past Master Workman to declare his office 
vacant. [It is suggested that the officer becomes disqualified under § 2, Art. 
XI, Sub. L. Const.'] 

Pro. G. L. Kansas, 1882,/. 10. 

But when the M. W. is in good standing and has permanently removed from 
the State, and is absent more than three successive meetings without rendering 
any excuse, although the Past Master Workman, having the supervisory care of 
the Lodge, and the right to require officers and members to do their duty, and 
having in the case mentioned the power to declare the office vacant, yet he has 
no right to take the Master Workman’s chair and order a new election if either 
the Foreman or Overseer be present, for they in turn should perform that duty. 

On their failure to do so, however, the Past Master Workman would be justi- 
fied in presiding and causing the vacancy to be filled. 

Pro. G. L. Kansas . 1882, p. 10. 

21 


322 


PAST MASTER WORKMAN DEGREE. 


33. Kansas. P. M. W. acts as M. W. in absence of M. W. and F. 

Pro. G. L. Kansas, 1881,/. 90. 

34. In Tennessee the Lodge may by vote determine to elect a P. M. W., 
in which case the retiring M. W. and P. M. W. being members of the Lodge in 
good standing are alone eligible. 

Art. IV, § 4, Sub. L. Const. 7 'enn. 

35. Absence of sitting Past Master Workman. If the Past Master 
Workman of a Lodge is absent from a meeting of the Lodge, or in case of his 
death, resignation, or removal from office, any Past Master Workman present 
may be designated by the Master Workman to perform the duties of said office. 
In case there be no Past Master Workman present, the Master Workman may 
appoint any Master Workman degree member to fill the chair pro tem. 

Pro. 2 >d Ann. Sess. S. L.,p. 139. 

36. The chair of a Past Master Workman elected at the formation of 
a new Lodge, who absented himself for three meetings and more, was declared 
vacant, and an election for his successor was had. The previous election of the 
P. M. W. as representative to Grand Lodge was also reconsidered, and his 
successor in the P. M. W. chair was declared elected as such representative. 

Held the regular P. M. W. was entitled to a seat in the Grand Lodge as P. M. 
W., and that the successor was not a representative. 

That the Lodge was not represented. 

Pro. G. L. Mich., 1878 , p. 73. 

This action was subsequently reconsidered, and the representative elected in 
place of the regular P. M. W. was admitted to a seat in order to avoid a ques 
tion which had been raised upon the requirements of the laws of the State of 
Michigan under which the Grand Lodge was incorporated. 

37. Where the office of the P. M. W. was declared vacant in October, 
and a member elected to the chair, and such member was subsequently chosen 
Grand Lodge representative, the Grand Lodge refused to admit him. 

Pro. G. L. Tex., 1882, pp. 19, 32. 

38. The retiring M. W. being absent on the night of installation, and not 
afterward appearing during three months, it was moved that the office of P. M. 
W. be declared vacant. 

Held that the office of P. M. W. being an honorary office, gained by virtue of 
service as M. W., it cannot be declared vacant. The acting P. M. W. is entitled 
to sit as such until his successor is installed. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1879, /• 170 - 


PAST GRAND MASTER WORKMEN. 


323 


39. Question. Is a P. M. W. an elective officer, and is he subject to fine 
for absence ? 

Answer — A P. M. W. is not an elective officer (except in the institution of a 
new Lodge). The P. M. W. is not an officer of the Lodge subject to fine. 

Pro. G. L. Illinois , 1880, p. 162. 

40. Refusal to act. If the retiring Master Workman refuses to act or be 
installed as such, the Lodge may select one of its P. M. W., and have him in- 
stalled to act for the term. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1883,/ 487. 

41. Absence of P. M. W. Where the P. M. W. of a new Lodge regularly 
absents himself, the M. W. of the Lodge can declare his seat vacant, and the 
Lodge can elect any M. W. degree member to fill the vacancy, and the member 
so elected is entitled to the rights, privileges and prerogatives appertaining to 
the position. 

Pro. G. L. Pa., 1883, p. 24. 

42. A sitting P. M. W. is eligible to membership in the Grand Lodge. 

Pro. &th Ann. Sess. Sup. L., 1880, p. 186. 

See Representative. 

43. A member of the G. L. may offer a resolution, although not a repre- 
sentative. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 4. 

Past Master Workman. 

See title Representatives to G. L. 

44. The retiring Master Workman should pass to the P. M. W.’s chair; 
and his previously having occupied that chair should not interfere with his duty 
to the Lodge in again filling it according to law. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1881 ,p. 263. 

45. Past Master Workmen alone are eligible for the position of D. D. G. 
M. W. 

Pro. G. L. Minn., 1879 , p. 21. 

See District Deputy Grand Master Workmen. 

PAST GRAND MASTER WORKMEN. 

1. A Grand Lodge, except at its organization, has no right to elect a Past 
Grand Master Workman. 

Pro. bth Ann. Sess. S. L., p. 408. 


324 


PAST GRAND MASTER WORKMEN. 


2. Grand Lodges not having a sufficient number of Past Grand Master 
Workmen may, according to custom or usage, elect as representatives to the 
Supreme Lodge those who have not filled the position of Grand Master Work- 
man, and in such case the rank of Past Grand Master Workman is conferred by 
the Supreme Lodge. — lb. 

3. The Grand Master Workman occupies the position of Past Grand 
Master Workman upon passing out of office, and should a vacancy occur in the 
position of Past Grand Master Workman, by reason of the re-election of the 
Grand Master Workman, or for any other cause, such vacancy should be filled 
by temporary appointment, not giving any of the rights or privileges of Past 
Grand Master Workman to the one appointed. — lb. 

4. A Grand Lodge has not the right to confer the honor of Past Grand 
Master Workman otherwise than by election to that position upon its formation, 
or an election to the position of Grand Master Workman, under the provisions of 
the constitution and laws. 

Pro. $th Ann. Sess. S. L., p. 304. 

Note . — Since the foregoing decision of the Supreme Lodge that body has per- 
mitted the degree of P. G. M. W. to be conferred on Grand Recorders. 

See § 7, Laws App. to G. L. 

5. Note. — The rule in regard to Past Master Workmen, laid down in Section 
19 of Laws Applicable to Grand Lodges, and the established usage in regard to 
past officers generally, is applicable to Past Grand Master Workmen, namely, 
that an officer becomes entitled to the past rank by regularly filling the position 
of presiding officer at the close of a term. A Grand Master Workman, regularly 
elected and installed, if he vacate or is removed from the office before the end of 
the term, is not entitled to the rank of Past Grand Master Workman, but the 
honor is to be conferred upon the one legally serving as Grand Master Workman 
at the end of the term. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 129-133. 

6. It is the sense of the Supreme Lodge that hereafter the degree of Past 
Grand Master Workman cannot, and should not, be conferred upon any mem- 
bers of the Order other than Past Grand Master Workmen, or representatives to 
the Supreme Lodge; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not apply to 
such officers as are entitled to the same, under our constitution and the amend- 
ments thereto. 

Pro. 7th, Ann. Sess. S. L., p. 122. 

7. Note . — Sitting Past Grand Master Workman, duties of. The duties 
of the acting Past Grand Master Workman are not specifically set forth in any 


PAST SUPREME MASTER WORKMAN, DUTIES OF, ETC. 325 


constitutional provision. By custom or usage his duties in the Grand Lodge are 
in general similar to those of a Past Master Workman in a Subordinate Lodge, 
modified, of course, by the difference in the functions of the two bodies. 

See Installation. 

8. Eligibility to office. Past Grand Master Workmen in good standing 
eligible to any office in Supreme Lodge, and with Past Master Workmen ad- 
mitted as visitors. 

See Art. II, § i, Sup. L. Const. 

See Supreme Lodge. 

9. P. G. M. W. in Nevada have all the privileges of elective officers of the 
Grand Lodge. 

So in New York. 

PAST SUPREME MASTER WORKMAN, DUTIES OF, Etc. 

1. The Junior Past Supreme Master Workman is an officer and member 
of the Supreme Lodge, and as such is entitled to a vote. If he is absent from 
the meetings of the Supreme Lodge, his name not having been enrolled as a 
member present during the meeting, a vacancy exists for the time in the office, 
which must be filled. The one appointed to fill the vacancy is entitled to all the 
rights and privileges of the position, including that of voting as a member of the 
Supreme Lodge. 

Pro. 7th Ann. Sess. S. L., p. 113. 

2. In ease Of the death, resignation, absence, or inability 
to act, of the Supreme Master Workman, Supreme Foreman, 
and Supreme Overseer, the acting Past Supreme Master Work- 
man shall succeed to his prerogatives and duties for all pur- 
poses, and shall perform such other duties as may from time to 
time be required of him by the Supreme Lodge. 

Art. V, § 2, Sup. L. Const. 

3. And Shall perform such duties as are appropriate to his 
station. 

Art. V, § 5, Sup. L. Const. 

4. All Past Supreme Master Workmen, other than the 
one in office as such, shall be entitled to all the rights of mem- 


326 


PER CAPITA TAX. 


bership in the Supreme Lodge, except the right to vote, while 
they remain members of the Order in good standing. 

Art. Ill, § I, Sup . L. Const. 

5. Past Supreme Master Workman Upchurch, the founder of the A. O. 
U. W., by resolution of the* Supreme Lodge, is entitled to mileage and per diem 
for attendance at all sessions of that body. 

Pro. Sup. L. 10 th Ann. Sess., 1882, p. 589. 

6. Past Supreme Master Workmen (other than the one in office) hold 
honorary rank, and take precedence according to priority of date of attaining the 
honors of the office. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 21. 

7. Past Supreme Master Workman succeeds to the office of Supreme 
Master Workman in certain cases. 

Art. V, § 2, Sup. L . Const. 

See Supreme Master Workman, successors to. 

PAYMENT OF DEATH LOSS. 

See Beneficiary Fund, proof of death. 

PENALTIES. 

See Fines, Trials. 

PER CAPITA TAX. 

1. Grand Lodges pay annually an amount equal to ten cents for each mem- 
ber under their jurisdiction on the first day of January preceding each annual 
meeting. These payments are made to the Supreme Recorder on or before the 
first day of March each year. 

Pro . 12 th Ann. Sess. S. L. 

Note. — But the amount of per capita tax may be changed by resolution at any 
session of the Supreme Lodge. 

2. Grand Lodges instituted subsequent to January 1st, shall not be required 
to pay to the Supreme Lodge the per capita tax, provided the Subordinate Lodges 
under their jurisdiction shall have paid the semi-annual tax to the Supreme 
Lodge due at that time. 

Pro . S. L ., 7 th Ann. Sess., p. 63. 


PER CAPITA TAX. 


327 


3. Grand Lodges are not required to pay per capita tax on Junior Work- 
man degree members. — Ibid. 

4. Grand Lodges prescribe per capita tax of Subordinate Lodges and the 
method of its collection. 

Set Dues, etc. 

5 - Not charged on Junior Workmen. As the Supreme Lodge does not 
require per capita tax upon J. W. degree members, they should not be charged 
dues by Subordinate Lodges under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme 
Lodge. 

Pro. %th Ann. Sess. Sup. L., 1880, p. 187. 

6. Notwithstanding the provision of L. 7 of Gen. App. as follows: 

“If there are less than thirteen weeks of said term to run, 
said officers shall serve until the end of the next term, and either 
of the said terms, as the case may be, shall be called the first 
term of said Lodge.” 

A Lodge instituted December 2, 1881, and having consequently less than thir- 
teen weeks to run before the commencement of the term beginning January 1, 
1882, is not relieved from the payment of per capita tax for the term ending 
December 31, 1881. 

The G. L. regulation (No. 2) is as follows: 

Each Subordinate Lodge shall pay semi-annually, on January 1 and July 1, a 
per capita tax of fifty cents for each member on the roll of the Lodge. 

See Pro. G. L. Tenn ., 1883,//. 45, 47. 

To the same effect Pro. G. L . Tenn., 1879, p. 13. 

7. On suspended member. A member whose beneficiary certificate has 
been suspended for non-payment of assessments is not suspended from the 
Order, and his name cannot be stricken from the rolls for six months from the 
date on which he failed to pay his assessment. 

Hence per capita tax is required to be paid on such a member by the Subordi- 
nate Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Mo., 1882, pp. 61, no. 

8. On suspended member. Suspension of beneficiary certificate is not a 
total severance of membership, and a delinquent’s name cannot be dropped from 
the roll until he is six months in arrears for beneficiary assessment, and during 
that period the Subordinate Lodge is liable to the Grand Lodge for per capita 
tax on him. 

Dec. G. M. W., Pro. G. L. Ky., 1882 , p. 10. 


328 


PHYSICIANS. 


9. California — new Lodge. All Lodges in existence July 1st and January 
1st must pay per capita tax. A Lodge instituted June 16th is no exception to 
the rule. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1880 , p. 29. 

10. No rebate of per capita tax is allowed on account of omissions to 
send representatives to the Grand Lodge. 

Pro. G. L . Minn., 1879, p. 21. 

11. The first per capita tax is due from the Lodge at the first installation 
of officers after its institution. 

The term begins in such a case with the institution of the new Lodge and 
ends with the semi-annual term in which such institution took place, i. e., at the 
first installation of officers. 

Pro. G. L. Mich., 1879, 5 2 * 

\ 12. Pennsylvania. A Lodge is not liable for per capita tax upon members 
suspended under the penal laws of the Order, for a period exceeding six months, 
during such suspension. 

10 th Ann. Sess. , G. L. Pa. Pa. Rev. Dec., 156. 

13. The Lodge shall pay to the Supreme Lodge, semi- 
annually, as dues, twenty-five cents per capita tax for every 
member on the roll. 

Art. XVI, § 2, Sub. L. Const. 

/ 

14. Note. — The amount of per capita tax and manner of collecting are 
subject to the control of Grand Lodges within their jurisdictions. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 353. 

15. The order for the per capita tax shall be drawn and 
delivered to the installing officer previous to the installation. 

Art. XVI, § 1, Sub. L. Const., 

PETITION FOR CHARTER. 

See New Lodges. Charter. 

PETITION FOR MEMBERSHIP. 

See Application for Membership. 

PHYSICIANS. 

See Medical Examiners and Examinations. 


PROVINCIAL MEDICAL EXAMINER. 


329 


POWERS OF GRAND LODGE. 

See Grand Lodge, Powers of. 

PROCESSIONS, PUBLIC. 

t 

See Dispensation, par. 22, 23. 

PREVIOUS QUESTION. 

1. In the Supreme Lodge the previous question is ordered by a majority 
vote. 

See Rules. 

PROHIBITED WORK. 

1. Prohibited work is as follows : Charters, Rituals of the Order, etc., 
clearance, traveling, and final cards. 

Const . , Sup. L. Art. IV, § 1. 

See title Supreme Lodge Powers. 

2. Prohibited Work. The printing of constitution and by-laws is not 
among prohibited work. 

Pro. G. L . Penna ., 1883, p. 24. 

3. Kentucky. The Grand Lodge of Kentucky reserves the right to furnish 
Subordinate Lodges in its jurisdiction charters, rituals, ode cards, clearance and 
final cards, beneficiary certificates, blank medical examiners’ reports, applications 
for beneficiary certificates. 

Art IX, Const. G. L. Ky. 

Note . — The foregoing serves only to regulate the procuring of prohibited work 
by Subordinate Lodges. The prohibited work is furnished by the Supreme 
Lodge to the Grand Lodge of Kentucky. 

PROOF OF DEATH. 

See Beneficiary Fund. Proof of Death, 

PRO TEMPORE APPOINTMENTS. 

See Appointments. 

PROVINCIAL MEDICAL EXAMINER. 

This is the official title of the Grand Medical Examiner of Ontario. 

For powers, etc., see Medical Examinations, etc. 


330 


PUNISHMENT. 


PRINTING AND SUPPLIES. 

See Committee on Finance. 

PRESIDING OFFICER OF SUBORDINATE LODGE. 

is 

See Master Workman. 

PUBLIC DISPLAY. 

1. No public display (except funeral processions) can take place except by 
consent of the Grand Lodge or the proper officer representing the authority of 
the same. 

Pro. G. L. Tex., 1883,/. 38. 

2. Not to appear in public without dispensation. Lodges cannot appear 
in public with regalia unless at the funeral of a brother, without a dispensation. 
A dispensation should not be granted for the purpose of attending church as a 
Lodge, with regalia. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1883, p. 487. 

3. Lodges should apply to the Deputy of their district for a dispensation 
to hold a public gathering of any character where the regalia of the Order is to 
be worn, or where the name of the Order is to be used. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1882, p. 15. 

4. A Lodge can hold a picnic without the consent of the G. M. W. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1879, p. 23. 

See title Dispensation, par. 22, 23. 

PUNISHMENT. 


See Trials. Fines. 


Q. 

QUAKER. 

Affirmation of Quaker sufficient. 

See Initiation, par. i. 

QUALIFICATION OF MEMBERSHIP. 

i 

See Membership. 

By-laws may regulate moral qualifications. 

See By-Laws, par. 47. 

QUESTION OF LAW. 

See Decisions. 

QUORUM. 

1. Quorum in Grand Lodge. The requirements necessary to form a 
quorum in the assembling of the various Grand Lodges will be found under the 
title 

Grand Lodges, Powers, par. 32, p. 218. 

2. Quorum in Subordinate Lodge, Five members of a 
Subordinate Lodge, having the Master Workman’s degree, shall 
be necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of bus- 
iness. 

Gen. Law , 14. 

3. It would seem difficult to frame so many modes of expression as have 
been found necessary to define a quorum in Subordinate Lodges. The compiler 
presents here laws of various Grand Lodges with respect to a matter which has 
no particular importance beyond the fact that the necessary numbers should be 
fixed, and at a point sufficient to secure the due conduct of the Lodge business. 

The foregoing Z. 14 of Gen. App. was intended to fix the minimum number 
of members necessary to constitute a quorum in Subordinate Lodges under the 
jurisdiction of a Grand Lodge. The number necessary to constitute a quorum 
in Subordinate Lodges under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge, 
and used in several Grand Jurisdictions, remains at seven, which was in accord- 
ance with the general rule as it stood prior to 1882. 

The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania makes eight, and the Grand Lodge of 
Colorado makes six the minimum number of persons whose presence is necessary 
to a quorum. (See the provisions relative to these States.) — post . 


332 


QUORUM. 


4. Seven members, including 1 either the M. W., Foreman, 
or a P. M. W., shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of 
business. The Lodge shall be opened at the time prescribed by 
the by-laws, if a quorum be present. 

§ i, Art. Ill, Const. Sub. L. under immediate jurisdiction, etc. 

5. The following named Grand Lodges have adopted the same form of 
words in the corresponding provision of their respective laws, although most , of 
them make five the required number : 

Maryland , N. J. and Del., Art. IV, § 2, Const. Sub. L. 

Minnesota , Art. Ill, § 2, Const. Sub. L. 

Mich., § 22, By-Laws. 

Illinois , Art. Ill, § 2, Const. Sub. L. 

Oreg., Wash., and B. C., Art. Ill, §2, Sub. L. Const. 

Mass., Art. Ill, § 2, Const. Sub. L. 

6. Ontario — Wisconsin. Seven members shall constitute a quorum for the 
transaction of business. 

The Lodge shall be opened at the time prescribed in the by-laws, if a quorum 
be present. 

Wisconsin, Art. Ill, § 2, Sub. L. Const. 

Ontario, , Sub. L. Const., Art. Ill, § 2. 

7. California — Nevada. Five M. W. degree members in good standing 
shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. 

The Lodge shall be opened at the time prescribed in the by-laws if a quorum 
be present, including one qualified to preside. In the absence of the M. W., 
F., and O., the Senior P. M. W. present shall take the chair. 

Art. Ill, § 2, Const. Sub. L. Nevada. 

Art. Ill, § 2, Const. Sub. L. Cal. 

8. If but five members are present at a meeting (including one qualified to 
preside), the stations should be filled as follows : 

During the opening, the chairs of P. M. W., M. W., F., G., and O. W. 
should be filled. 

After the Lodge is declared open, the chair of P. M. W. may be vacated to 
fill that of Recorder. 


Pro. G. L. Ills., 1884, p. 667. 


QUORUM. 


333 


9. The G. L. Const, of N. Y. contains the following provisions: 

“ Five Master Workman degree members, entitled to vote, shall constitute a 
quorum for the transaction of business. 

“ The Lodge shall be opened at the time prescribed in the by-laws, if a quorum 
be present, including one qualified to preside. 

“ In the absence of both the Master Workman and Foreman, the senior Past 
Master Workman present shall take the chair, and all business, except conferring 
the J. W. degrees, shall be transacted in the M. W. degree. 

* Art. II, § 3, Const. Sub. L . N. Y. 

10. See Art. X, § 4, Const. Sub. L. y under jurisdiction of Sup. L., as follows: 

“The Overseer shall perform such duties as are required of him by the laws, 

rules and regulations of the Order, and in the absence of the Foreman shall fill 
his place.” 

11. Tennessee. Five members, including the Master Workman, Foreman, 

or Past Master Workman, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of 
business. v 

Art. Ill, § 2, Const. Sub. L. Tenn. 

12. Note. — Pennsylvania. Five members, together with the Master Work- 
man, Foreman, or a Past Master Workman, shall constitute a quorum for the 
transaction of business. 

The Lodge shall be opened at the time prescribed by the by-laws if a quorum 
be present. 

Const. Sub. L . Penna., Art. Ill, § 2. 

Const. Sub. L. Col., N. M., and Ariz., Art. Ill, § 2. 

13. Missouri. But no Lodge shall proceed with business unless there be 
present the Master Workman, the Foreman, the Overseer, or a P. M. W., either 
of whom is qualified to preside. 

Art. VII, By-Laws G. L. Mo. 

14. Minnesota. Five members, including either the Master Workman, 
Foreman, Overseer, or a Past Master Workman, shall constitute a quorum for 
the transaction of business. 

m 

Art. Ill, § 2, Sub. L. Const. Minn. 

15. A Lodge cannot make a legal quorum for the transaction of business 
by using one or more members of another Lodge. 

Ohio G. L., 1879. 

G. L. N. Y, 1881. 

Illinois G. L., 1880, p. 161. 

Kansas G. Z., 1884, p. 12. 


334 


QUORUM. 


16. Five members, including either the Master Workman, Foreman, Past 
Master Workman, or Overseer, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of 
business. 

Const. Sub. L. Mass., Art. Ill, § 2. 

17. There can be no quorum unless the M. W., F., or a P. M. W., is 
present, as no other is qualified to preside. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 177. 

18. A Lodge having a sufficient number of members to make a quorum 
for the transaction of business may retain its charter. A Lodge having eight 

I 

members does not forfeit its charter. 

Pro. G. L. Mich., 1880,//. 20, 115, 121. 

See Charter. 


R 


RANK. 

Rank of Officers of Supreme Lodge. 

See Supreme Lodge. 

Art. II, § i, Sup. L. Const. 

REBALLOT. 

See Ballot. 

RECEIVER. 

i. Receiver, duties Of. The Receiver shall receive from 
the Financier all moneys received for the Lodge, giving his re- 
ceipt therefor; pay all orders drawn on him by the M. W., at- 
tested by the Recorder. He shall keep a regular and correct 
account of all moneys received and paid by him. He shall keep 
a separate and distinct account of the beneficiary fund, and 
shall, immediately upon the receipt of notice through the Lodge 
from the Supreme Recorder, forward a draft, payable to the 
order of the Supreme Receiver, or otherwise, as the Lodge may 
determine, for the amount of the beneficiary fund; a receipt 
from the Supreme Receiver, through the Supreme Recorder, for 
the fund so forwarded and excess required on each assessment, 
shall be his voucher to the Lodge. When two or more notices 
are received by the Lodge at the same time, he shall forward 
in accordance with the Article on the beneficiary fund,- Section 
8 . He shall have his accounts ready for settlement on the last 
stated meetings of June and December, and shall, at the expira- 
tion of his term of office, deliver to his successor all moneys, 
books, papers, and vouchers in his hands. Before entering on 
the duties of his office, he shall give to the Lodge his bond, 
with approved surety, for such amount as the Lodge may deem 
satisfactory, for the faithful performance of his duty. 

§ 6, Art. X, Sub. L . Const. 


336 


RECEIVER. 


2. Note. — The provisions of the above Section are applicable to Receivers 
of Subordinate Lodges under the jurisdiction of Grand Lodges, substituting the 
word “ Grand ” for “ Supreme ” wherever it occurs. 

3. Receiver, duties of— beneficiary fund. It is the duty of 
the Receiver of the Subordinate Lodge to forward, through the 
Recorder, the beneficiary fund on hand, to the Grand Recorder, 
(or if the Lodge is under the immediate jurisdiction of the Su- 
preme Lodge, to the Supreme Recorder,) immediately upon the 
Lodge being duly notified of an assessment. 

Sup. L. Const., Ait. VIII, § 8 and 15. 

4. Upon the payment of each assessment notice, the Sub- 
ordinate Lodge (by its Receiver) shall forward to the Grand 
Recorder, (or if the Lodge is under the immediate jurisdiction 
of the Supreme Lodge, to the Supreme Recorder), in addition 
to the beneficiary fund, the sum of fifty cents, which shall be 
placed in the Supreme (or Grand) Lodge general fund. 

Sup. L. Const., Art. VIII, § 15. 

5. Note. — Grand Lodges have the power to make the sum 
to be sent in addition to the beneficiary fund less than fifty 
cents, or to relinquish it wholly. 

6. The Receiver cannot hold funds against which a warrant has been 
drawn as an offset for a debt owed him by the brother in whose favor the order 
is drawn. 

The warrant is a draft, and can be negotiated. When presented to the Re- 
ceiver, properly endorsed, it must be paid. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1880, p. 29. 

7. Illinois. In Illinois the Receiver is required to give the Lodge a monthly 
statement of funds. 

See Art. X, § 6, Sub. L. Const., Illinois. 

For additional duties in that jurisdiction, see Auditing Committee. 

8. A Receiver held not liable for the loss of funds by burglary upon the 
special circumstance submitted. 

Pro. G. L. Mo., 1880, p. 95. 


RECORDER OF SUBORDINATE LODGE. 


837 


9. The Receiver and not the Trustees pays the beneficiary fund of a 
brother to his representatives. 

Pro. G. L. Tenn ., 1878, p. 13. 

Note. — This ruling was made under the old law, and is probably of no effect 
now; the Lodge being held responsible for the delivery of the warrant in payment 
of beneficiary, and that the certificate is properly receipted and returned. 

See Recorder. 

10. No action of the Lodge is necessary to instruct the Receiver to for- 
ward the beneficiary fund. The notice of assessments under seal of the Grand 
Lodge, and the same read in open Lodge constitutes a legal draft on said fund, 
and the receipt of the Grand Lodge for the same should be read in open Lodge 
and given to the Receiver, the same being his lawful voucher to the Lodge. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 32. 

11. It is the duty of the Receiver immediately to forward the beneficiary 
fund when lawful draft is made by the Grand Lodge. — ~Id. 33. 

12. Money should always be sent by draft or check, including exchange, 
by P. O. order, or by express, charges prepaid. — Id. 35. 

13. When more than one notice of assessment is issued, the Receiver 
must make two remittances ; one (the fund in hand) immediately on receipt of 
notice, the other immediately after the monthly suspension report of the Finan 
cier, and accompany the beneficiary return report of Recorder. 

Penn. Rev. Dec., 34. 

14 As to additional rights and duties of Receiver, 

See Officers. 

Beneficiary Assessment. 

Beneficiary Certificate, Etc. 

15. When Receivers may have P. M. W. degree conferred. 

See P. M. W. degree. 

Law. 19, App. to G. L. 

RECESS. 

See Meeting. 

RECORDER OF SUBORDINATE LODGE. 

Duties of office. 

I. The Recorder shall keep accurate minutes of the pro- 
ceedings of the Lodge, which he shall record in a book provided 
for that purpose. 

Art. X, § 5, Sub. L. Const. 

22 


RECORDER OF SUBORDINATE LODGE. 


2. He must keep a correct record of the transactions 
whether legal or not. 

Pro. G. L. Pa ., 1883,/. 24. 

3. He Shall enter a brief statement of all communications, 
petitions and memorials on the records. 

Const. Sub. L. Cal etc. 

4. He Shall attest all orders drawn on the Receiver. 

Art. X, § 5, (and see Receiver.) 

5. He shall make out the semi-annual report of the work 
and business of the Lodge for the Grand [or Supreme] Lodge, 
forward the same to the Supreme [or Grand] Recorder, prop- 
erly signed and attested, with the seal of the Lodge attached. 

Id., and see Art., XVI, Returns and Dues. 

6. He shall, on or before the first day of each month, notify 
the Supreme [or Grand] Recorder of all rejections of candidates 
and expulsions of members — of the suspending, annulling orcan- 
celing of beneficiary certificates, or reinstatement of the same, 
and of the date of countersigning and recording beneficiary 
certificates of members admitted during the preceding month. 

7. And shall notify the Supreme [or Grand] Recorder of 
all transfers of membership into or out of the Lodge. 

8. The Recorder shall keep accurate minutes of the pro- 
ceedings of the Lodge, which he shall record in a book provided 
for that purpose; he shall attest all orders drawn on the Re- 
ceiver, make out the semi-annual report of the work and busi- 
ness of the Lodge for the Supreme [or Grand] Lodge, forward 
the same to the Supreme [or Grand] Recorder, properly signed 
and attested, with the seal of the Lodge attached; he shall, on 
or before the first day of each month, notify the Supreme [or 
Grand] Recorder of all rejections of candidates and expulsions 
of members — of the suspending, annulling or canceling of bene- 
ficiary certificates, or reinstatement of the same, and of the 


RECORDER OF SUBORDINATE LODGE. 


339 


date of countersigning and recording beneficiary certificates 
of members admitted during the preceding month. 

Art. X, § 5, Sup. L. Const., ist part. 

9. Note. — The above report is known as the “ Monthly Beneficiary Return.” 
In addition to giving the rejections and expulsions during the month, it is a 
transcript of the entries in the beneficiary certificate book, and shows the status of 
each member of the Lodge as to his beneficiary certificate at the time it is made, as 
well as all changes which have occurred during the month. All certificates 
issued during the month, with date of recording the same, reinstatements, with 
date of same, and the suspending, canceling or transferring of certificai.es, must 
appear in the report, so that the record of each certificate will be as full and ac- 
curate in the office of the Supreme or Grand Recorder as in the Subordinate 
Lodge. 

See Financier. 

10. Tennessee. Should there be no accessions, suspensions, withdrawals, 
or reinstatements, the Recorder shall forward the report in blank, under the seal 
of the Lodge. 

Art. VIII, § 7, Const. G. L. Tenn. 

11. Lists of expelled members. It shall be the duty of 
the Recorders of all Subordinate Lodges to send to the Supreme 
or Grand Recorders under whose jurisdiction they may be, with 
their monthly returns, the names of all brethren expelled from 
the Order for any cause whatever. 

L. 32, of Gen. App. 

12. Must keep an alphabetical list of expelled members, 
and must keep a book for that purpose. 

L. 32, Gen. App. 

See Register of Expelled Members, par. 1. 

13. He shall keep a black book in which he shall record the names of 
all persons rejected, members expelled, or suspended, and those who may cease 
to be members for non-payment of dues as well as those reported by the Grand 
Recorder, stating date, cause, etc. 

Const. Sub. L. Cal., Nev., III., etc. 

14. He shall conduct the correspondence and have charge 
of the seal and records of the Lodge. 

Id., see Seal. 


r' 


340 


RECORDER OF SUBORDINATE LODGE. 


15. He Shall notify all applicants who have been elected 
to membership. 

Id., see Art. II, § 3, Sub. L. Const. 

16. And shall perform such other duties as are required 
of him in the Article on beneficiary fund, and as are enjoined 
by the laws, rules and regulations of the Order. — Id. 

17. The Recorder must enter an application for member- 
ship on the minutes. 

Art. II, § 2, Sub. L. Const. 

18. He shall enter the name, age, occupation, and residence of all can- 
didates upon the minutes, stating whether they joined by initiation or deposit of 
card. 

19. An applicant for membership who has been elected, 
shall be notified of his election by the Recorder within six days 
thereafter. 

Art. II, § 3, Sub. L. Const. 

20. When the regularly elected Recorder is absent on an evening when 
a degree is conferred, the Recorder pro tem. signs the certificate. 

Pro. G. L. Pa ., 1883,/. 25. 

21. The Recorder is required to have his books written up for the use of 
the auditing committee. 

See Auditing Committee. 

22. For his duties in relation to Clearance Cards, or Final Cards, see 
those titles. 

23. The Recorder of a new Lodge in which members of 
the Order have deposited clearance cards, must, within a week, 
notify the Lodge granting the card of such deposit. 

Law 3, of Gen. App. 

See New Lodges. 

24. A member holding a clearance card is required to 
notify the Recorder of his address, at least once each month, 
and the Recorder should enter this address of record. 

Law 17, of Gen. App. 

See Clearance Card. 


RECORDER OF SUBORDINATE LODGE. 


341 

\ 


25. On an application for the deposit of a clearance card, the Recorder of 
the Lodge, where the card is desired to be deposited, is required to notify the 
Recorder of the Lodge issuing the card of the fact, etc. 

26. For a more complete statement of the duties of Recorders in rela- 
tion to clearance cards and their deposit in the same beneficiary jurisdiction, 

See Laws 20 and 21 of Gen. App. 

And relating to deposit of card in another beneficiary jurisdiction. 

See Law 23 of Gen. App. 

See Clearance Card. 

27. The Recorder must notify a member accused of an 
offense, when the accusation will be taken up. 

L. 42 Gen. App , 

See Trial. Charges, Etc. 

28. It is the duty of a Recorder to make up the record 
on appeal. 

Law 45 of Gen. App. 

See Appeal. 

29. The duties of the Recorder under the beneficiary laws are briefly 
summarized as follows : 

1st. To attest the application made by the candidate for the beneficiary cer- 
tificate. 

2d. Where the duty is not imposed on the Supreme Medical Examiner, to 
forward the medical examination of an applicant, with fifty cents [or other pre- 
scribed fee] from the amount of fees advanced by the applicant, to the Supreme 
or Grand Medical Examiner. 

Art. X, § 5, Sup. L. Const. 

And to forward the application and one dollar [or other prescribed fee] for the 
beneficiary certificate, to the Supreme or Grand Recorder. 

3d. To receive the beneficiary certificate when it shall have been issued, and 
after its signature by the Master Workman, to attest it with the seal of the 
Lodge attached, prior to its delivery to the member, and to make a complete 
record of the same on the beneficiary certificate register. 

4th. It is the duty of the Recorder to prepare the notice of death sent to the 
Supreme or Grand Recorder when the death of a member occurs. 

Art. VIII, § 8, Sup. L. Const. 

See form of Death Notice, Appendix No. 


342 


RECORDER OF SUBORDINATE LODGE. 


5th. On the day succeeding* the 28th day of the month, the Recorder is fur- 
nished by the Financier with the names of members of his Lodge who may be 
in arrears for any assessment that shall have been made in that month. 

It is the duty of the Recorder to place such names on the minutes of the 
Lodge as suspended, and to also mark them suspended on the certificate register 
book, affixing the date thereto. 

Art. VIII, § 9, (Ben. Art ) 

6th. When the Financier notifies the Lodge, as is his duty, of the receipt of 
any arrearages of assessments, and the Lodge has reinstated the member, it is 
the duty of the Recorder to state the facts in the minutes, and mark the certifi- 
cate upon which arrearages are paid as renewed in the certificate register. 

Art. VIII, § 9, (Ben. Art.) 

7th. Upon any reinstatement, it is the duty of the Recorder tc notify the 
Supreme or Grand Recorder by the next following monthly report. 

Art VIII, § 13, (Ben. Art.) 

8th. The draft sent by the Supreme or Grand Recorder in payment of a death 
loss is made payable to those entitled to it, but it is sent to the Recorder of the 
Lodge of which deceased was a member. 

9th. The Lodge shall see to the endorsement of the draft, and the receipt of 
the beneficiary certificate by the payees, when the Recorder shall send the re- 
ceipted certificate to the Grand or Supreme Recorder. 

Art. VIII, § 16, (Ben. Art.) 

Note . — In the Supreme Lodge Beneficiary Jurisdiction the receipted beneficiary 
certificate is required to be attached to the warrant, and forwarded to the Su- 
preme Receiver, who returns the same to the Supreme Recorder. 

30. To witness application for change of certificate. An application 
for change of beneficiary certificate must be witnessed and attested by the Re- 
corder, if practicable, otherwise by a notary public or officer of a court of 
record. 

See Art. VIII, § 17. 

31. When there is variance between certificate, etc., and proof of death. 

See Proof of Death. 

32. May act as Trustee. There is nothing in the laws of the Order which 
prohibits the Recorder of a Subordinate Lodge from acting as trustee or medi- 
cal examiner of the same Lodge; but such a proceeding is not regarded as con- 
ducive to the good of the Order. 

Pro. G. L. Maryland , N. J., and Del., 1882, p. 19. 


REGALIA. 


343 


33. A Recorder cannot also hold the office of Financier. 

Pro. G. L. Texas , 1881,/. 6. 

See Officers. 

34. Eligible as Master Workman. A brother filling a vacancy as Re- 
corder for an unexpired term is made thereby eligible for Master Workman. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1881, p. 266. 

See Term of Service. 

Compensation. 

See Officers, Compensation of. 

RECORDERS OF SUBORDINATE LODGES. 

When may have P. M. W degree conferred. 

See P. M. W. Degree. 

L. ig, App. to G. L. 

RE-EXAMINATION. 

See Medical Examination. 

REGALIA. 

See Badge, Emblem, Etc. 

1. A brother must wear the regalia of his rank or station in the Order, 
if the Lodge has such regalia. If the Lodge does not have the regalia, then 
it must admit him. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 53. 

2. A Lodge has no right to appear in regalia in a public procession 
without permission from the G. M. W., or dispensation from the D. D. G. M. W. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 88. 

3. Subordinate Lodge regalia. The regalia for Subordinate Lodges shall 
consist only of suitable badges for officers and members, to be worn upon the 
left breast, and all other insignia is abolished, but this is without prejudice to the 
use of the regalia now owned and used. 

Pro. Sup. L., 7 th Ann. Sess., pp. 127, 128. 

4. All Subordinate Lodges must procure and use the regalia prescribed by 
the Supreme Lodge, (except as provided in above section,) 

Pro. Sup. L., 7th Ann. Sess. 


344 


REGALIA. 


5 . Subordinate Lodge Regalia. For Members — the badge of the Order; 
metal white, ribbon scarlet. 

6. For Officers — the same, with the addition of the appropriate jewel of office 
suspended from the pin-bar, in size so as not to touch the medal. 

7 . For Past Master Workmen — the same, except that the badge shall be of 
yellow metal and blue ribbon. 

Pro. Sup. L . , 4 th Ann. Sess.,p. 154. 

8. Grand Lodge regalia. For Members — the badge of the Order; metal 
yellow, ribbon blue. 

9. For Officers — the same, with appropriate jewel of office, suspended from 
the pin-bar, as in Subordinate Lodges. For Past Grand Master Workmen — the 
same, except that the ribbon shall be purple. 

Pro. ~jth Ann. Sess. S. L t p. 154. 

10 . Supreme Lodge regalia. For Members — the badge of the Order ; 
metal yellow, ribbon purple. 

11. For Officers — the same, with appropriate jewel of office suspended from 
the pin-bar as in Subordinate Lodges. 

Pro. 7th Ann. Sess. S. L .. p. 154. 

12. Funeral regalia. The regalia for funeral occasions shall be the Lodge 
regalia with crape on left arm. 

Pro. 2 d Ann. Sess. S. L., p. 46. 

13 . Note. — At the fifth annual session of the Supreme Lodge, a black satin 
badge with the name and number of the Lodge, and one or more of the em- 
blems of the Order, was recommended for use on funeral occasions. 

14 . Procession regalia. Same as Lodge regalia, according to rank of 
officers and members. 

15 . Regalia of Degree of Honor. 

See Degree of Honor. 

See also Badge, Emblems. 

16 . Colors. The distinguishing color of the Supreme Lodge is Pwple ; that 
of the Grand Lodge Blue ; that of the Subordinate Lodge, Scarlet for officers 
and White for members. — Ibid. 

17 . Regalia, tools, etc., to be returned to Supreme or Grand Lodge on 
surrender of charter. 

See Charter, Surrender of. 


1 


i 


REINSTATEMENT. 345 


REGISTER OF EXPELLED MEMBERS. 

1. It shall be the duty Of the Recorders of all Subordinate 
Lodges to send to the Supreme or Grand Recorders under whose 
jurisdiction they may be, with their monthly returns, the names 
of all brethren expelled from the Order for any cause whatever, 
and each Grand Recorder shall keep a register of said names, 
and forward the same with his monthly statement to the Su- 
preme Recorder, who shall keep a register of the said names, 
and send them with his monthly statement to all Grand Lodges 
and such Subordinate Lodges as are under the immediate juris- 
diction of the Supreme Lodge, and the Grand Recorder shall 
send a list of said names to all the Subordinate Lodges under 
their respective jurisdictions, with their monthly statements, 
and the Recorder of each Subordinate Lodge shall, immediately 
upon the receipt of the same, enter said names in alphabetical 
order in a book provided for that purpose. 

Z. 32 of Gen. App. 

2 . [The lists and registers above referred to are to include the names 
only ot brethren expelled from the Order, not of those suspended from the Order 
for non-payment of assessments or dues.] 

Other duties of Grand Recorders in connection with beneficiary fund, appeals, 
etc., will be found specified in chapters relating to such subjects, or duties when 
Grand Lodge is formed and whilst it remains connected with Supreme Lodge as 
to beneficiary fund. 

REINSTATEMENT. 

I. Renewal Of certificate. Any beneficiary certificate sus- 
pended by reason of non-payment of assessments thereon, may 
be renewed, if the member be living, at any time within a period 
of three months from the date of such suspension, upon the 
following conditions, and none other ; that is to say : 

1st. All assessments that have been made during that time 
shall be paid. 

2d. This fact shall be reported to the Lodge at a stated meet- 
ing, and 


346 


REINSTATEMENT. 


3d. The Lodge shall, by a majority vote, declare said certifi- 
cates renewed. 

When all these conditions have been complied with, the ben- 
eficiary certificate shall be held as renewed and in full force, and 
not before. 

Provided, however, that any member of a suspended Lodge, 
or of a Lodge that has surrendered its charter, whose benefi- 
ciary certificate has been suspended under the provisions of 
this article, may, during the period of three months after the 
date of such suspension or surrender of charter, be reinstated 
by any Lodge in the same jurisdiction, in the same manner as 
it a member of such Lodge. The Lodge so reinstating first 
obtaining from the Grand or Supreme Recorder, as the case may 
be, a certificate as to the standing of such member at the date 
of suspension of his Lodge, or the surrender of its charter; and 
from the date of such reinstatement such member shall be a 
member of the Lodge so reinstating him; provided, that if any 
brother attempting to comply with the provisions of this sec- 
tion shall be rejected by a Subordinate Lodge, he may retain 
his membership in the Order by continuing to pay his assess- 
ments to the Supreme Recorder or Grand Recorder, and paying 
further to said Supreme Recorder or Grand Recorder the sum 
of not less than five dollars annual dues; also provided, that 
such reinstatement shall be approved by the Grand Master 
Workman or Supreme Master Workman, as the case may be. 

Art VIII, § 10, Sup. L. Const., 

2. Reinstatement. It is necessary to ballot on the reinstatement of a 
brother’s certificate in arrears less than three months. 

A majority ballot is necessary to reinstate. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1884, p. 663. 

But see contra, Ballot. 

3. A brother who has been suspended for non-payment of beneficiary 
assessments, paying all arrearages to the Financier between Lodge meetings, 


REINSTATEMENT. 


347 


dying after payment, but before the meeting of the Lodge, would not be enti- 
tled to the benefits of the Order. 

See Minutes *]th Ann. Sess. G. L. Pa. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 109. 

4. A member suspended by a Lodge through a misunderstanding of law, 
and remaining in a state of suspension for a period exceeding three months, 
must be reinstated in accordance with Section 13, beneficiary article, but the 
Lodge should in justice bear the cost of reinstatement. 

Penna. Rev. Dec.. 18 1. 

5. Note. — A brother whose certificate is held suspended for the non-pay- 
ment of assessments, but who is not yet three months in arrears, has forfeited 
the right to participate in the beneficiary fund. This is regained, if he be living, 
at any time within the three months, by simply paying up all assessments due, 
and otherwise complying with Section 10, providing, of course, that a majority of 
the Lodge vote in favor of such renewal. A record must be entered upon the 
minutes, and the proper entry made in the beneficiary certificate register-book. 
In case of suspension for less than three months, a new medical examination is 
not required, although some jurisdictions require the suspended member to cer- 
tify that he is in sound bodily health. 

Pro. G. L. Mo., 1882 , p. 18. 

6. Michigan. The beneficiary article in force in Michigan requires the ap- 
plicant for reinstatement within three months to “ certify that he is in sound 
bodily health.” 

Art. VII, § 10, Const. G. L Mich . 

7. A member suspended for less than three months, to be restored, must 
pay all assessments up to the date of restoration, including the pending assess- 
ment. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1883, Decis. 17. 

8. The payment by a brother, within three months, of all arrears of as- 
sessments, may be made to the Financier at any time or place, but the certificate 
of the brother is not renewed thereby. 

The Financier must report the payment to the Lodge at a stated meeting, the 
records of the Lodge must show the facts, and the certificate is not properly and 
legally renewed until this shall have been done. 

Pro. G. L. Tenn., 1879, /. 63. 

Since the foregoing decision, § 10, Art. VIII, has been amended so as to re- 
quire a majority vote of the Lodge in favor of reinstatement. 


348 


REINSTATEMENT. 


9. Death of a brother pending reinstatement. A brother who has been 
suspended for non payment of beneficiary assessments, and who pays all arrear- 
ages to the Financier between Lodge meetings, dying after payment, and before 
the next meeting of the Lodge, would not be entitled to the benefits of the 
Order. 

Indiana Approved Decisions, title Assessments, Etc., No. 8. 

10. When renewal takes effect. Under Art. VIII, a certificate is not 
renewed and again put in full force until the payment shall be reported to the 
Lodge and proper record made of the fact. 

Note. — This decision is now subject to the further requirements of amended 
Sec. 10, Art. VIII. 

Pro. it>th Ann. Sess. Sup. L., 1880, p. 187. 

11. In Wisconsin a member suspended less than three months paid in 
full all arrearages of dues and assessments to the Financier, and died before the 
next following Lodge meeting. 

The Financier reported the payment at the next meeting, and record thereof 
was made on the minutes, with the full knowledge of the brother’s death. The 
G. M. W. holding that such payment effected reinstatement under § 10, Ben. 
Art. Sup. Z., as it stood in 1882. 

Note. — The same as quoted above, directed payment of the $2000, with the 
concurrence of the Committee on Laws and Finance Committee of the G. L., and 
the subsequent approval of the Grand Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Wis., 1881,/. 19. 

12. Question. Can a Lodge receive arrears of assessments from a brother 
who is very sick ? 

Answer. Sickness does not deprive a brother of the right of reinstatement 
within three months. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1879. 

Note. — The case of Nagle vs. G. L. N. Y., (Superior Court of Buffalo, not 
reported,) was one where payment of arrearages was made to the Recorder of 
the Subordinate Lodge, who was also a D. D. G. M. W. during the last mo- 
ments of the suspended member’s life. A special Lodge meeting was called, and 
the arrearages tendered were accepted against the protest of the Financier. • 

Section 10 of the beneficiary article then provided that the member might re- 
instate pr “ renew his certificate within three months from the date of forfeiture 
thereof ” provided he shall pay all assessments that have been made during that 
time. 


REINSTATEMENT. 


349 


Upon the trial of this action the court held it to be immaterial, under this pro- 
vision, whether the money was paid before or after the member’s death, if paid 
within three months of suspension. 

This case turned upon the regularity of the member’s suspension under 
certain by-laws of the Subordinate Lodge relative to sick benefits, by which it 
was made the duty of the Lodge to provide for the payment of the assessments 
upon which suspension occurred. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1882, p . 94. 

13. Reinstatement between three and six months. Any 

member whose beneficiary certificate has been suspended for a 
term exceeding three months, must again be examined by the 
medical examiner of the Lodge, whose report shall be in man- 
ner and form as prescribed by the Supreme Lodge, and shall 
recommend the applicant for membership. He shall pay all as- 
sessments for which he would have been liable had he remained 
in good standing. He may then be reinstated to membership, 
and his beneficiary certificate be renewed; provided, that by a 
vote a majority of the Lodge consent thereto. 

1st Clause, §11, Art. VIII, Sup. L. Const. 

Voting under §§ 10 and 11 is not by ballot, but by the usual voting sign of 
the Order. 

See Voting. 

14. Medical examiner’s report. If application for renewal 
be approved, the medical examiner’s report, together with 
notice of renewal of his beneficiary certificate, shall be for- 
warded to the Supreme (or Grand) Recorder; if rejected, the 
amount deposited for renewal shall be returned to the appli- 
cant. 

2d Clause, §11, Art. VIII, Sup. L. Const. 

15. Arrearages of assessments. The Financier shall upon 
the receipt of any arrearages from beneficiary assessments, as 
provided for in Sections 10, 11, 12 and 13 of the beneficiary 
article, pay the same into the beneficiary fund (said amount 
from arrearages to be forwarded to the Supreme (or Grand) Re- 
corder upon the first order on said fund thereafter), and notify 


350 


REINSTATEMENT 


the Lodge of the same, and the Recorder shall so place it on 
the minutes of the Lodge, and mark the certificate so paid as 
renewed on the certificate register-book, affixing the date 
thereto. 

2d Clause, § 9, Art. VIII, Sup. L. Const, 

16. A suspended member cannot join another Lodge. A member sus- 
pended from the Order must be reinstated by the Lodge which suspended him 
before he can become a member of any other Lodge of the Order as a charter 
member or otherwise. 

But see Amended Law 36, Pro. S. L., 1884. 

Pro. 5 th Ann. Sess. S. L , p. 299. 

Pro. G. L. Oreg. and. Wash.., 1882, p. 46. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1883 , p. 487. 

17. A member who has been suspended in one jurisdiction, going into 
another, cannot join a new Lodge there as a charter member. He must first be 
reinstated in the Subordinate Lodge suspending him, and join the new Lodge by 
clearance card as provided by the laws of the Order. 

But see Amended Law 36, Pro. S. L., 1884. 

Pro. tth Ann. Sess. S. L., p. 396. 

Pro. G. Z. Kansas, 1883, p. 10. 

18. Suspended member cannot be initiated as a new member. A per- 
son who has been suspended or expelled from a Lodge for non-payment of dues 
or assessments, cannot be initiated into another Lodge as though he had never 
belonged to the Order. 

But see Amended Law 36, Pro. S. L., 1884. 

Pro. ,\th Ann. Sess., Sup. L., pp. 169, 204. 

19. Reinstatement of member of suspended Lodge. Under the pro- 
visions of Section 13, Article VIII, Supreme Lodge constitution, a member 
“ suspended from the Order ” can be reinstated by complying with the condi- 
tions therein set forth. If the Lodge to which he belongs is suspended, so as to 
prevent his being reinstated therein, he does not forfeit his rights to the benefits 
of that section, but may be reinstated by any other Lodge. In such case it 
would be necessary for him to present a certificate from the Supreme (or Grand) 
Recorder, showing the date at which he became “ suspended from the Order," also 
the assessments of his arrearages on beneficiary assessments, at the date of such 
suspension, and that he was otherwise in good standing in the Lodge. 

Pro. Sup. L., 7th Ann. Sess., p. 14. 


REINSTATEMENT. 


351 


20 . Any member of a defunct or suspended Lodge is entitled to apply for 
and receive a card from the Grand Recorder, if at the time of the suspension 
of the Lodge such member was in good standing, but, as by the provisions of 
Section n, of Article VIII. Supreme Lodge constitution, a member who is more 
than three months in arrears for beneficiary assessments cannot have his bene- 
ficiary certificate reinstated until he has passed a new medical examination and 
been accepted by a majority vote of the Lodge, it follows that the Grand Re- 
corder cannot give a card to a member of a suspended or defunct Lodge, if such 
member be at the time over three months in arrears on assessments. A member 
of a suspended Lodge, who has not within the proper time applied for and re- 
ceived a card from the Grand Recorder, stands “ suspended from the Order ” 
when he becomes six months in arrears on beneficiary assessments. 

Pro. Sup. Z., 7th Ann. Sess., p. 14. 

In 1884 the Supreme Lodge amended Law 36, of general application, so as to 
read as follows : 

21. Members of defunct Lodges. A Lodge that has been 
suspended for the period of three months under the provisions 
of Article VIII, Section 11, of the constitution, or a Lodge that 
has voluntarily surrendered its charter, or had the same taken 
away for any cause, shall be termed and known as a defunct 
Lodge. Its membership shall be disposed of as herein provi- 
ded, if said Lodge is not reorganized within the period of one 
year from the time it became defunct. Should the members of 
said Lodge desire to reorganize within the period before men- 
tioned, they may do so, provided there be the names of seven 
of the former members of the Lodge on the petition sent to the 
Supreme Master Workman or Grand Master Workman for that 
purpose; they shall pay the expenses of the Supreme Master 
Workman or Grand Master Workman, and they shall } on reor- 
ganizing said Lodge, also pay for such supplies as are necessary 
to complete the reorganization. A member of a defunct Lodge 
who was in good standing at the time of its dissolution may 
be admitted into another Lodge after having applied to and 
received from the Supreme Master Workman or Grand Master 
Workman, as the case may be, a card signed by said Supreme 
Master Workman or Grand Master Workman, and attested by 
the Supreme Recorder or Grand Recorder, with the seal at- 


352 


REINSTATEMENT. 


tached, and countersigned by the member. The application for 
such card must be made within twenty days of the date of the 
dissolution of the Lodge, and must be accompanied with the 
fee of two dollars, the card to hold good for six months. The 
member holding the card must notify the Supreme Recorder or 
Grand Recorder, as the case may be, of his address, and must 
forward his assessments for the beneficiary fund, whenever no- 
tified, as required by the beneficiary laws of the Order. He 
must, before the expiration of six months, deposit said card 
with some Subordinate Lodge, and in event of his failure to do 
so, then his beneficiary certificate shall be annulled by the Su- 
preme Recorder or Grand Recorder, provided that if any brother 
having attempted to comply with the provisions of this section 
and been rejected by a Subordinate Lodge, he may retain his 
membership in the Order by continuing to pay his assessments 
to the Supreme Recorder or Grand Recorder, and paying fur- 
ther to said Supreme Recorder or Grand Recorder the sum of 
five dollars annual dues. 

L. 36, of Gen. App. 

22. A suspended member of a defunct Lodge, or a Lodge 
in another beneficiary jurisdiction from that in which he resides, 
may be reinstated in any Lodge, provided he has been suspended 
for over two years, and has resided within the jurisdiction of 
the Lodge to which he applies for at least one year; and, pro- 
vided further , that he has complied with the requirements of 
Section 13 of the beneficiary article. 

Provided still further , that no officer or member, at the time of 
the suspension of any Grand Lodge, which has been heretofore 
or shall be hereafter suspended, shall have the benefit of this 
provision. — Ibid, 

23. Suspended member not to be reinstated except in his own Lodge. 

A member suspended for non-payment of assessments cannot be reinstated in 
any other Lodge than the one to which he belonged at the time of his suspension 
(except as provided in paragraph No. 26.) 

Pro. Sup. Z., 7 th Ann. Sess ., 1879, I 4 * 


REINSTATEMENT. 


353 


24. Member of Suspended Grand Lodge. Before a person who belonged 
to one of the suspended Lodges in Iowa can be received into membership in 
this jurisdiction, in addition to the regular requirements, he must pay the amounts 
named in the various relief calls of the Supreme Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1883, p. 12. 

25. Illinois. He shall x also comply with the requirement of § 13, Ben. Art. 

Const. Sub. L., in Illinois , Art. XI, § 4. 

26. A member of the suspended Grand Lodge of Iowa wishing to join 
in another jurisdiction must reinstate himself in and take a card from tjhe 
Loyal Grand Lodge of Iowa. 

Pro. Sup. L ., \2.th Ann. Sess ., 1884. 

27. The beneficiary certificate of a member suspended for dues can 
only be reinstated on compliance with § 13, Ben. Article. 

See Suspension. 

28. A member suspended from the Order for misconduct [under the penal 
provision of the law] must get permission from the Grand Lodge or Grand 
Master Workman, before he can apply for reinstatement. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1883, p. 490. 

29. Reinstatement of suspended or expelled members or 
members holding 1 final cards. 

30. Any member holding 1 a final card, desiring readmis- 
sion to the Order, shall make application in the same manner 
and form as that prescribed for admission to membership, and 
shall comply with all the conditions necessary thereto, except 
that he shall be exempt from the payment of initiation and 
degree fees, but shall pay the usual fee required of members 
admitted by card. 

Art. VIII, § 13, 1st Clause. 

31. A person holding a final card is wholly withdrawn from the Order, 
and is therefore not identified with any Lodge, and he may renew his member- 
ship in any Lodge upon compliance with the requirements of law. 

Members belonging to the second and third of the classes named in Section 13, 
that is, those who are suspended from the Order for any reason, are suspended 
as members of the Subordinate Lodge to which they at the time belonged, and 
they can therefore be reinstated only in that Lodge. 

23 


354 


REINSTATEMENT. 


32. Any member suspended from the Order by reason 
of the non-payment of dues for the period of six months, de- 
siring to be reinstated, shall make application in the same man- 
ner and form as that prescribed for admission to membership, 
and shall comply with all the conditions necessary thereto, ex- 
cept that he shall be exempt from the payment of initiation or 
degree fees. He shall pay the amount of dues for non-payment 
of which he was suspended from the Order, and shall pay in 
addition a sum not less than one dollar, which amount shall be 
placed in the general fund. 

Art. VIII, § 13, 2d Clause. 

33. In relation to manner and form of application, 

See Application, par. 2. 

34. A member suspended for non-payment of dues can only be restored by 
complying with all the requirements of the beneficiary law in regard to a new 
medical examination, be proposed, balloted for, and elected the same as an 
initiate, and pay all arrearages as provided in the laws. 

Pro. G. L. N. F., 1883. 

See Art. XI, Const. Sub. L. under jurisdiction of Sup. L. 

35. Any member suspended from all the rights and ben- 
efits of the Order by reason of the non-payment of assessments 
for the period of six months, desiring to be reinstated, shall 
make application in the same manner and form as that pre- 
scribed for admission to membership, and shall comply with all 
the conditions necessary thereto, except that he shall be exempt 
from the payment of the initiation or degree fees. He shall 
pay a sum not less than seven dollars, which amount shall be 
placed in the beneficiary fund. Upon the completion of such 
readmission or reinstatement, the Recorder shall immediately 
notify the Grand or Supreme Recorder thereof. In case of re- 
jection the amounts above specified shall be returned to the ap- 
plicant. 

Art. VIII, § 13, Sup. L. Const., 3d Clause. 

As to manner and form of application, see par. 2. 


REINSTATEMENT. 


355 


36. A suspended member applying to be reinstated must himself sign the 
application. If he authorizes any person to sign such application the authority 
to do so should be by power of attorney, and the person signing should do so as 
attorney. 

Pro . G. L. N. Y., 1883, Decision No. 20. 

37. The not less than [ $7 ] dollars required to reinstate a member 
suspended more than six months for failure to pay assessments belongs to the 
beneficiary fund, and must be forwarded to the Grand Recorder with the next 
assessment. 

Pro. Sup. L., 12 th Ann. Sess ., 1884. 

38. Form of application. Art. VIII, § 13. Sup. L. Const., provides the 
only method whereby one suspended from the Order for non-payment of assess- 
ments can be reinstated, viz : by making application in the same manner and 
form as prescribed for admission to membership. 

This form of application distinctly states that the applicant is under fifty years 
of age, hence it could not be executed in good faith by one who had passed that 
period. 

Report of committee on good of the Order adopted Sup. L. Sess., 1883, p. 
125. 

See Pro. \2th Ann. Sess., Sup. L. 1884, p. 205. 

Pro. G. L. Ill , 1884, p. 667. 

Pro. G. L. Kansas, 1884, p. 12. 

See Age. 

39. It will be seen, § 13, Art. VIII, following 3d clause, that the forego- 
ing Section 13 applies to three classes of cases. 

1st. To those holding final cards. 

2d. To those suspended for non-payment of dues, and 

3d. To those suspended for non-payment of assessments. 

The difference in the method of reinstatement relates solely to the amount re- 
quired to be paid by the applicant. 

40. A member suspended for more than six months desiring to be rein- 
stated, must make written application to the Lodge of which he was a member, 
and be recommended by two members of the Lodge in good standing. His ap- 
plication. must be accompanied by [ $ — ] dollars and his medical examination. 

The application must be read at a stated meeting of the Lodge, entered in 
the record and referred to a committee of three, whose duty it shall be to make 
the same investigation provided for in case of a new applicant, ( See § 2, Art II, 
Sub. L. Const.), and report at a stated meeting of the Lodge, unless further time 
is granted. 


356 


REINSTATEMENT. 


Upon the report of the committee, the medical examination having been ap- 
proved by the Grand Medical Inspector, the same course is pursued as in the 
case of a new applicant. 

Should he be elected he is entitled to admission to the Ledge without being 
initiated. 

Pro. G. L. Ohio , 1883. 

41. In order to secure reinstatement the applicant must comply with the 
following requirements and conditions : 

1st. He must make application in due form as in the original instance. 

2d. He must be over 21 and under 50 years of age. 

3d. He must pass the required medical examination, which examination shall 
be subject to the approval of the medical examiner in chief. 

4th. He must be recommended for membership by the committee on investi- 
gation. 

5th. He must be balloted for by secret ballot. 

6th. He must pay the fees required for re-examination and approval. 

7th. He must pay an advance assessment. 

8th. He must pay the usual fee required of members admitted by card, if 
said applicant be one who has been granted a final card and desires re t admission 
thereon. 

gth. He must pay a sum of not less than one dollar above and besides the 
amount of dues for the non-payment of which he was suspended if said appli- 
cant be one who has been suspended from the Order for non-payment of dues. 

10th. He must pay a sum of not less than $7.00, which amount shall be 
placed to the credit of the beneficiary fund if said applicant be one who has been 
suspended from the Order for non-payment of assessments. 

nth He must further comply with any additional requirements set forth in 
the laws, rules, and regulations of the Grand Lodge having authority in the ju- 
risdiction in which said applicant applies for reinstatement or readmission. 

42. When a person who has severed his connection with 
the Order, and had issued to him a final card, desires to renew 
his connections, his application for renewal shall be accom- 
panied by his final card, or he shall present satisfactory proof 
of its loss. 

L. 25, of Gen. App. 

43. Old certificate to be produced on renewal of mem- 
bership. A person once a member of the Order, whose con- 
nection therewith has been severed so as to annul his beneficiary 


REINSTATEMENT. 


357 


certificate, making application for renewal of membership, 
must produce his old beneficiary certificate or sworn proof of 
its loss, unless it has been previously surrendered upon issuance 
of a final card. 

Gen . Law , 26. 

44 Note — The above law applies to the cases of members suspended or 
expelled from the Order, as well as to those of persons who have withdrawn 
from it. 

45 Where new certificate not issued. In all cases when a person who 
had ceased to be a member of the Order is restored to membership, his old bene- 
ficiary certificate again becomes valid and in force. A new one is not issued unless 
the old one has been lost, and in this case sworn proof of loss is required by the 
above law. This proof should be filed in the office of the Supreme or Grand 
Recorder, and a memorandum made on the back of the new certificate, showing 
that it was issued to replace the old one which had been lost. 

46. Note. — Endorsement on certificate when Lodge membership is 
changed. When a brother becomes a member of a different Subordinate Lodge 
from that in which he obtained his beneficiary certificate, an endorsement should 
be made on the back of his certificate to the following effect : 

Bro became a member of Lodge, No. 

Ancient Order of United Workmen, of < 

on the day of 18. . . 

M. W. 

: Recorder. 

47. Medical examiner’s certificate to be forwarded to the Supreme 
(or Grand) Recorder. When a brother who has been suspended from the 
Order is reinstated under Section 13, Ben. Art., the medical examiner’s certifi- 
cate, together with notice of his reinstatement, must be forwarded to the Su- 
preme or Grand Recorder in the same manner as provided in Section 11, Ben. 
Art. 

48. Reinstatement of members after withdrawal. A member who has 
withdrawn from the Lodge and the Order cannot be reinstated by reconsidering 
the vote accepting his withdrawal. He must make application and be admitted 
under the general laws of the Order. 

See Sup. L. Const., Art. VIII, § 13. 


49. Reinstatement of members of delinquent and defunct Lodges. 

See Delinquent and Defunct Lodges, and par. 22 and 23, ante. 


358 


REINSTATEMENT. 


50. Delinquent Lodge. When the beneficiary certificates 
of an entire Lodge have been suspended under the provisions 
of Section 8 of the Beneficiary Article, and when the same have 
remained suspended for the space of three months from and 
after the date of said suspension, it shall be the duty of the 
Supreme (or Grand) Master Workman to suspend the charter of 
said Lodge, and should the members thereof desire to be rein- 
stated at any time within the period of six months from the 
date when their beneficiary certificates were suspended, they 
must obtain the consent of the Supreme (or Grand) Master 
Workman thereto, and must comply with the provisions of Sec- 
tion 13 of this Article. 

Clause 3, § 11, Art. VIII, Sup. L. Const. 

Reinstatement of members suspended or expelled under penal pro- 
visions of the Order. 

51. Indefinitely suspended or expelled members. Any 

member indefinitely suspended or expelled under the penal pro- 
visions of the Order cannot be restored to membership except 
by permission of the Supreme Lodge or Grand Lodge (or during 
the vacation of said bodies, the Supreme Master Workman or 
Grand Master Workman), as the case may be, under whose im- 
mediate jurisdiction the Subordinate Lodge is to which such 
application is made. Such suspended or expelled members shall 
in all other respects comply with the requirements made in re- 
gard to members suspended for non-payment of assessments or 
dues. 

L. 27, of Gen. App. 

52. In case a Subordinate Lodge suspends a member for a specified time, 
under the penal laws of the Order, all of the provisions of the beneficiary laws 
must be complied with before such member can be reinstated. If the suspension 
should be for a period of less than three months, at the expiration of the time 
he can be reinstated, as provided in Section 10 of the beneficiary laws. Should 
the suspension be for a longer period than three months, then compliance with 
Section 11 of the beneficiary laws would be required, and if for a longer period 
than six months, the member, by limitation of time, as provided in said laws, 


REINSTATEMENT. 


359 


becomes a suspended member of the Order, and compliance with Section 13 is 
the only way in which he can regain membership. When a Lodge imposes a 
penalty extending over six months, it may as well suspend the member from 
the Order, as this will follow as the result. 

Pro. S. L . , 7 th Ann. Sess. 

53. Reinstatement of member after reversal of judgment of expulsion. 

See Trial. 

L. 41, of Gen. App. 

54. Judgment of expulsion against a brother being, on appeal, reversed, 
it is not necessary, upon his paying the dues and assessments levied in the 
meantime, that he be re-examined, even though three months expired. 

Pro. G. L. Penna ., 1883, p. 24. 

55. The Recorder of the Subordinate Lodge failed to notify the Grand 
Recorder of the reinstatement of a brother who died, the beneficiary register 
of the Grand Lodge showing his certificate still suspended. 

The certificate was ordered paid. 

Pro. G. L. Tenn , 1881,/. 15. 

56. Any member in arrears for the period of six months 
shall stand suspended from all benefits and privileges of the 
Order. His beneficiary certificate shall be reported to the Su- 
preme Recorder as annulled, and he shall not again be admitted 
to membership, except as provided for in Section 13 of this 
Article. 

§ 12, Art. VIII, Sup. L. Const. 

57. The question arises, does the change in the method of reinstatement 
after the brother has become over three months in arrears for assessments make 
any change in his status if he does not apply for reinstatement ? The language 
of Section 11 at first sight seems to imply that a brother three months in arrears 
has forfeited his membership in the Order, as he has to be “ reinstated to mem- 
bership,” but a comparison of the provisions of Sections 8, 10, 11, and 12, 
shows that this is not the case. There are but two kinds of suspension named 
in these sections or elsewhere in the beneficiary laws of the Order: One is sus- 
pension of a beneficiary certificate , or more exactly, suspension of a member’s 
rights under his certificate, and the other is suspension from the Order , which 
deprives the brother of all rights and privileges of every kind in the Order, and 
completely excludes him from it. This latter kind of suspension does not take 


360 


REINSTATEMENT. 


place until a brother is in arrears for assessments for a period of six months. 
Until that time his beneficiary certificate only is suspended. In all other respects 
he retains all the rights and privileges of any other member. The reinstatement 
to membership mentioned in Section n can only mean the reinstatement of the 
brother’s right to participate in the beneficiary fund, because, under the law, 
this is the only right he has been deprived of. There is nothing in the sections 
referred to, or elsewhere in the beneficiary laws, authorizing any other kind of 
suspension for arrearages on assessments for less than six months, than that in- 
volved in the words “shall forfeit all his rights under said certificate The 
provisions of Section n make it more difficult fora brother to obtain a renewal 
of his certificate or a reinstatement of his former rights under it, but do not de- 
prive him of any other rights and privileges than he was already deprived of by 
the suspension for first arrearages of assessment. When he fails to pay one as- 
sessment his beneficiary certificate is held suspended, but he retains all other 
rights and privileges as a member of the Order, and his status in this respect 
remains the same until he becomes in arrears for six months, when he stands 
suspended from the Order. The method of reinstatement is different after he is 
three months in arrears, and the Lodge may prevent him from regaining his for- 
feited rights, but in all other respects his standing and rights are the same when 
he is three months in arrears as when one, and remain the same until the end of 
six months, when he forfeits all rights in the Order. 

But see Constitutions oj N. V., Mich., and AIo. 

' 58. When a suspended member complies with all the requirements for 
reinstatement, but a difficulty ensue's about obtaining a quorum of the Lodge, 
he cannot be reinstated without the Lodge vote, but he must await formal 
action. 

Pro. G. L. Ky., 1882, p. 10. 

59. Any member who has been suspended from all the 
benefits and privileges of the Order by reason of non-payment 
of dues, or arrearages of beneficiary fund, applying to be rein- 
stated, shall pay the amount he was in arrears at the date of 
his suspension, and shall conform to all requirements of Section 
13 of the Article on beneficiary fund. He shall apply in writing 
to be reinstated, which application shall be referred to a com- 
mittee of three, whose duty it shall be to investigate his' char- 
acter and fitness for membership, and report their opinion, in 
writing, at a subsequent meeting of the Lodge, whereupon a 
ballot shall be taken under the same rules and restrictions as 


RELIEF COMMITTEE. 


361 


upon the first application for membership. If rejected, the 
aforesaid amount of arrearages shall be returned. 

Art. XI, § 4, Sub. L. Const. 

60. Any member who has been indefinitely suspended or 
expelled by the Lodge (except for non-payment of dues and as- 
sessments) shall not be restored to membership except by per- 
mission from the Supreme Lodge ; or, in case the Supreme 
Lodge is not in session, by permission of the Supreme Master 
Workman. He shall also comply with all the requirements of 
Section 3, Article XI, of this constitution. 

Art. XI, § 4 'Const, of Sub. L. 

61. Application for reinstatement to be made by member. In the 

month of February Mrs. , the beneficiary payee named in the certificate 

of a brother, requested notices of dues and assessments to be sent to her by the 
Recorder of the Lodge. About April 15th she changed her residence, of 
which change she notified the Recorder. No notices were ever sent her. 

The brother was suspended April 27th, and departed from the jurisdiction of 
the Grand Lodge. 

On her petition to have the beneficiary certificate renewed, 

Held that the law does not require a Lodge to give notice of dues and assess- 
ments to the beneficiary named in the certificate. 

That application for reinstatement must be made by the brother himself. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1883, p. 109. 

See By-Laws. 

REJECTION OF CANDIDATE. 

See Application and Medical Examiner’s Blank Form. 

Missouri. Previous rejection in any other organization or company disqual- 
ifies for membership. 

See Medical Examination. 

RELIEF COMMITTEE. 

1. The Master Workman, Foreman and Overseer shall 
constitute the relief committee, of which the M. W. shall be the 
chairman. Their duty shall be to visit the sick and disabled 
members of the Lodge, and report at each stated meeting the 


362 


RELIEF COMMITTEE. 


condition of such members, and in such cases as they may deem 
necessary they may suggest to the Lodge such pecuniary assist- 
ance as they believe is needed. Each member of the Lodge, 
previous to the stated meeting of the Lodge, shall be subject to 
the orders of the M. W. in attending to sick or disabled mem- 
bers, and should any member fail or neglect to perform such 
duty, having been notified by the M. W., he shall, for each 
neglect or failure, be fined a sum not less than one dollar. 

Art. X, § 12, Sub. L. Const. 

2. A by-law of a Lodge providing that on an application for sick benefits 
a ballot should be taken, and if one or more negative votes appeared, that the 
application should be referred to a special committee, etc., for investigation. 
Held contrary to the spirit of our law requiring the relief committee to act im- 
mediately. The discharge of their preliminary duties should not depend on the 
result of a ballot. 

See Pro . G. L. Tenn., 1879, p. 61. 

3. Tennessee. The provisions relating to the control of the M. W. over 
members in connection with relief, and the powers given here are, in Tennessee, 
extended to and conferred on each member of the relief committee. 

Art. V, § 8, Const. Sub. L. Tennessee. 

4. Refusal to afford aid. Where a Master Workman notifies a brother to 
watch with a sick brother and he refuses, the Master Workman should state the 
facts at the next meeting of the Lodge and impose the fine. 

No motion is necessary to inflict the fine. It is the Master Workman’s duty 
to impose it without a motion. 

If the brother refuses to pay the fine, the Lodge cannot suspend him until 
after a trial. 

In such a case charges may be preferred under § [54] ( L . 38, 39, 40, of Gen. 
App .) for conduct unbecoming a member of the Order, and if after trial he is 
found guilty, then under § 56 (Art. XV, § 2, Const Sub L. under jurisdiction of 
the Supreme Lodge), the Lodge shall prescribe the punishment. 

This may be an additional fine, and in default of payment, suspension, or 
suspension until paid. The punishment is entirely in the discretion of the Lodge. 
If suspended, it would invalidate the beneficiary certificate of the member. 

Pro G. L. Minn.. 1881, pp. 20, 21. 

See Sick Benffits. 


RELIEF LAW. 


863 


RELIEF LAW. 

Art. IX, Sup. L . Const. 

Beneficiary Article, applicable to the whole Order, pro- 
viding* relief to overburdened jurisdictions. 

1. Section i. To protect each beneficiary jurisdiction of the 
Order from exigencies which may arise, increasing its death 
rate to an extent which would make assessments for a time op- 
pressive upon its membership, and beyond the maximum fixed 
by this Article for such jurisdiction; to strengthen and sustain 
the Order, and enable it to meet every emergency by giving the 
assistance of the whole to any part suffering from an epidemic 
or other calamity, a relief fund shall be raised, managed, and 
disbursed as provided in this Article. 

Manner of raising fund. 

2. Sec. 2. The relief fund shall be raised by levying assess- 
ments of amounts not more than sufficient to produce the 
amount required for the payment of each respective relief as- 
sessment; and such assessments shall be levied and collected in 
the same manner and under the same laws, rules and regula- 
tions as ordinary assessments for the beneficiary fund, and all 
laws of the Order in regard to suspensions for non-payment of 
ordinary assessments or reinstatement of members shall be ap- 
plicable also to such relief assessments. All Master Workman 
degree members in good standing at the date of the call for 
relief by the relief board, as provided by the article, shall be 
liable for the same. Provided, Subordinate Lodges may set 
apart such relief fund or assessment from their general fund, 
and that such assessments shall not exceed the sum of three 
dollars per member in any one year. 

Number of assessments to be made in each jurisdiction. 

3. Sec. 3. The following maximum annual rate of assess- 
ments is established for the several jurisdictions of the Order, that 
is to say : Iowa, 24; Michigan, 24; Minnesota and Dakota Terri- 


364 


RELIEF LAW. 


tory, 24; Maryland, New Jersey and Delaware, 26; Wisconsin, 
24; Ontario, 24; Kansas, 24; California, 26; New England States, 
26; Illinois, 26; Indiana, 30; New York, 26; Pennsylvania, 26; 
Oregon and Washington, 26; Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Montana 
and Wyoming, 24; Missouri and Nebraska, 28; Georgia, Ala- 
bama, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina, 
30; District of Columbia, 30; Kentucky, 30; Ohio, 30; Tennes- 
see, 30; Virginia and West Virginia, 28; Supreme Jurisdiction, 
30; Texas and Louisiana, 30; Colorado, Arizona and New Mex- 
ico, 30. The maximum rate for other jurisdictions which may 
from time to time be established shall be fixed by the Supreme 
Lodge, or the Supreme Lodge Relief Board herein provided 
for, as such jurisdiction may be established. 

Relief board. 

4. Sec. 4. The Supreme Master Workman, Supreme Re- 
corder, Supreme Receiver, and the Chairman of the Supreme 
Lodge Finance Committee, and of the Supreme Lodge Commit- 
tee on Laws and Supervision, shall constitute the Supreme Lodge 
Relief Board, with power to superintend, in accordance with and 
governed by the laws, rules and regulations of the Supreme 
Lodge, the collection, management, and disbursement of the 
relief fund herein provided.. A majority of said board shall 
constitute a quorum. 

When relief extended. 

5. Sec. 5. Whenever it shall be made to appear to the satis- 
faction of the Supreme Lodge Relief Board that the number of 
deaths in the Supreme Lodge beneficiary jurisdiction, or in any 
separate beneficiary jurisdiction, computed from the beginning 
of the fiscal year of such jurisdiction, has been or is such as to 
require assessments for any fiscal year in excess of the maxi- 
mum fixed for such jurisdiction by this Article, or whenever the 
membership in the Supreme Lodge beneficiary jurisdiction shall 
be reduced below 2,000, then the relief provided in this Article 
shall, upon proper application therefor, be extended imme- 
diately. 


RELIEF LAW. 


365 


Relief call, how made. 

6. Sec. 6. When the exigency aforesaid shall occur, the Su- 
preme Lodge Relief Board shall examine into and certify the 
facts to the whole Order, and shall call upon the various Grand 
Master Workmen, and upon the Master Workmen presiding over 
the various Subordinate Lodges under the immediate jurisdic- 
tion of the Supreme Lodge, for such proportion of the relief 
fund as may be necessary, in the opinion of the board, and as 
may be right and proper under all the circumstances, to meet, 
as rapidly as may be, the exigency. The officers thus called 
upon shall at once proceed to cause to be forwarded to the Su- 
preme Lodge treasury the amounts of the calls made upon 
them. These calls shall be forwarded to the Supreme Recorder 
by draft or post office money order, payable to the Supreme 
Receiver. 

The amount of the calls thus made shall be replaced in the 
treasury of the Subordinate Lodges by an assessment of an 
amount equal to the call thus made, if less than twenty-five 
cents per member; if more than that sum shall be called, then 
by assessments of not less than twenty-five cents per month, 
unless the Subordinate Lodges shall determine to otherwise pay 
the same, as authorized by Section 2 of this Article. 

Relief, how extended and accounted for. 

7. Sec. 7. The Supreme Lodge Relief Board shall, from the 
relief fund thus placed in the hands of the Supreme Receiver, 
extend such relief to the overburdened jurisdiction as may be 
right and proper and necessary, under the circumstances, to 
maintain its integrity and preserve its perpetuity. Correct ac- 
counts of the transactions of the relief board shall be audited 
and certified by the Supreme Lodge Finance committee, and 
included in the monthly statements of the Supreme Recorder, 
and said board shall report to the Supreme Lodge, in detail, at 
the same time that reports are required to be made by the Su- 
preme Lodge officers. 




RELIEF LAW. 


Returns of amount by jurisdiction receiving* relief. 

8. Sec. 8. The jurisdiction receiving relief under the pro- 
visions of 'this Article shall be required to assess its member- 
ship to the extent of the maximum established therefor by this 
Article for the period, if necessary, of three years from the 
time the application for relief is made, or if no application for 
relief is made, then from the time the relief is extended, to the 
end that it may return to the relief fund the amount taken 
therefrom for its relief, and, after paying the death losses oc- 
curring in said jurisdiction during said period, the surplus is to 
be returned to the Supreme Lodge treasury until the whole sum 
thus received shall have been returned; provided, that if the 
maximum assessments thus levied shall not, within the said 
period of three years, pay the death losses occurring in said 
jurisdiction during that time, and return to the Supreme Lodge 
treasury the amount received from the relief fund as aforesaid, 
then the amount of any balance due shall constitute a donation 
from the Order at large to said overburdened jurisdiction. 

Apportionment of amount returned. 

9. Sec. 9. When any portion of the relief fund shall be re- 
turned to the Supreme Lodge treasury, as herein provided, it 
shall be apportioned monthly to the various Grand Lodges in 
proportion to the amounts received from each, to be disposed 
of as said Grand Lodges may respectively determine. The pro- 
portion of the relief thus returned, to which the Subordinate 
Lodges under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge 
would be entitled, shall be passed to the credit of said Lodges 
on the books of the Supreme Lodge. 

Penalties for non-compliance with law. 

10. Sec. 10. Any officer failing or refusing to perform the 
duties enjoined by this Article, or who shall in any manner, di- 
rectly or indirectly, evade the provisions thereof, shall be sus- 
pended from all the rights and benefits of the Order. 


RELIEF LAW 


367 


The charter of any Grand or Subordinate Lodge so failing or 
refusing shall be suspended. 

It shall be the duty of the Supreme Master Workman, with 
the concurrence of the Supreme Lodge Relief Board, to carry 
the provisions of this Article into execution. 

Said suspension shall be removed whenever the delinquent 
shall comply with the provisions of this Article. 

11. The following decisions were made by the Relief Board in session at 
Buffalo, June, 1884, in considering a claim for relief made on the part of the 
Grand Lodge of Tennessee : 

1st. The Relief Board has no authority to grant relief for any exigency aris- 
ing from lapses occurring prior to March 19, 1880, the date of the adoption of 
the relief law. 

2d. Under the relief law as it now stands, no beneficiary jurisdiction is en- 
titled to relief unless the number of deaths actually occurring in any one fiscal 
year (the same being determined by the death series of said year, as heretofore 
fixed by the relief board), shall have required, or shall require, assessments ex- 
ceeding the maximum of such beneficiary jurisdiction, to be made during such 
fiscal year, nor unless such maximum of assessments for such fiscal year shall 
be made. 

3d. With applications hereafter made to this board for relief, there must be 
transmitted a complete itemized statement of all the facts and figures for each 
fiscal year covered by the application, as appearing on the books of the jurisdic- 
tion making the same, showing that such jurisdiction is entitled to relief, and 
that six copies of such statement shall be furnished the board. 

12. The following resolution was adopted at the twelfth annual session 
(Toronto) of the Supreme Lodge, for the guidance of future applicants for relief 
under the provisions of the Relief Law : 

Resolved , That the fiscal year for all jurisdictions for the purposes of the Re- 
lief Law, be fixed from January 1st to December 31st. 

See Fiscal Year. 

13. Requisites of application for relief. When any separate beneficiary 
jurisdiction makes application for relief under the provisions of Article IX oi 
the t&neficiary laws, the Grand Lodge officers of such jurisdiction are required to 
prepare and forward with their petition for such relief to the Supreme Master 
Workman a statement showing in detail the grounds upon which such relief is 
sought. This statement should include 

1st. The number of assessments made within the jurisdiction during the 
fiscal year. 


368 


RELIEF LAW. 


2d. The amount of beneficiary fund received on each. 

3d. The death losses paid, including a statement of the name of the Lodge 
to which the deceased brother belonged, its number and location, the age of the 
member, the date of his joining the Order, the date of his death, duration of 
membership, and cause of death. 

4th. A statement of the deaths (as required in Sec. 3) occurring in such juris- 
diction, and remaining unpaid, after the proceeds of the maximum number of 
assessments required by law has been applied to the liquidation of death losses 
occurring in the death series of that year. 

It is the duty of the relief board to satisfy itself of the correctness of this 
statement by the examination of books, vouchers and documents, and relief 
should not be granted unless such statement is corroborated by the production 
of books, vouchers and documents necessary to substantiate the statement so 
presented. 

When any separate beneficiary jurisdiction has received relief under the pro- 
visions of Article IX, it is the duty of such jurisdiction, through its proper offi- 
cers, at the close of each fiscal year, until repayment of the advanced relief shall 
have been made, or until the same shall have been discharged by the continued 
payment during three years of the maximum rate of assessment, to make and 
forward to the Supreme Recorder a statement in manner and form as is required 
on application for relief. 

14. Who liable. All who were Master Workmen degree members at the 
time of the call are liable to assessment thereon. 

Pro. S. L., 9 th Ann. Sess. 1881, pp. 399, 445, 457. 

15. April 15th, 1881, the Supreme Lodge Relief Board made a call 
(Relief call No. 1), under the provisions of Article IX, Supreme Lodge Consti- 
tution, for an amount equivalent to ten cents for each member of the Order. 

The G. M. W. of Iowa refused to perform the duty imposed on him by the 
Article, and was suspended from all the rights and benefits of the Order by the 
Supreme Master Workman Sept. 21, 1881, with the concurrence of the Relief 
Board. 

The Grand Foreman of Iowa was directed to perform the duties enjoined by 
Art. IX, aforesaid, but refused to do so, and was in like manner suspended Oct. 
6, 1881. 

The Grand Overseer was, in turn, directed to assume the duties of Trrand 
Master Workman, and because of his failure and refusal to carry the law into 
effect, he was suspended Oct. 20, 1881, 

On November 1, 1881, a P. G. M. W. of Iowa was directed to assume control 
of the Grand Lodge and perform the duties prescribed by the Relief Law, but 
he also failed to do so. 


/ 


RELIEF LAW. 


369 


The Grand Lodge of Iowa met in annual session February 7, 1882, and by a 
series of resolutions approved the recusant action of the officers as before stated, 
and denied the “right of the Supreme Lodge to levy assessments on separate 
beneficiary jurisdictions for deaths occurring elsewhere, ” notwithstanding the 
provisions of the Relief Law. 

At the same session of the Grand Lodge, that body elected representatives to 
the Supreme Lodge, one of whom was an individual who had been suspended 
by the Supreme Master Workman, and the Grand Lodge also advanced to the 
chair of G. M. W. the individual who had been suspended as Grand Foreman. 

On March 1, 1882, the S. M. W. with the concurrence of the relief board, sus- 
pended the charter of the G. L. of Iowa, placed its Subordinate Lodges under 
the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge, directing them to make official 
reports and send remittances to the Supreme Recorder. 

On the 16th day of March, 1882, thirty-nine representatives from twenty Sub- 
ordinate Lodges in the State of Iowa, which had theretofore complied with the 
requirements of the Relief Law and the order of the Supreme Master Workman , 
met and elected Grand Lodge officers, including representatives to the Supreme 
Lodge. 

Representatives o‘f both the recusant and conforming bodies were therefore 
present at the tenth annual session of the Supreme Lodge, held June 6. 1882, 
and their credentials having been referred to the Committee on Credentials, that 
committee reported the facts as above briefly epitomized, and recommended that 
the reorganized Grand Lodge and the Subordinate Lodges then being or there- 
after to become constituents thereof be recognized as the Grand Lodge of Iowa, 
and such committee, among other recommendations, reported in favor of the 
admission of the representatives of such reorganized Grand Lodge to the Su- 
preme Lodge. 

The report of the committee was adopted. 

Pro. 10 th Ann. Sess. Sup. L., 1882, pp. 554, 557. 

16. A brother can be supended for refusal to pay a “ relief call.” 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1883, p. 489. 

17. A relief call may be paid from the general fund of a Grand Lodge. 
See action S. M. W. in the matter of paying Relief Call No. 3, by the G. L. 
Nevada, etc., and payment of the same by the G. L. Michigan, 1883. 

18. Relief call made during suspension of member must be paid on re- 
instatement. Where a brother was suspended before Relief Call No. 2 was 
made, and applies to be reinstated before the end of six months, he must pay 
relief call also. 

Pro. G. L. Penna ., 1883, p. 24. 

24 


370 


REMOVALS AND VACANCIES 


19. Where upon the institution of a new Lodge the beneficiary certifi- 
cates to the members had not been issued at the time Relief Call No. 2 was 
made, the members of the Lodge are not liable. 

Pro. G. L. Penna. t 1883,/. 24. 

REMOVALS AND VACANCIES. 

t. If any officer shall absent himself from three succes- 
sive stated meetings of the Lodge (unless prevented by sick- 
ness or some other unavoidable cause), the Master Workman 
may declare his office vacant. 

Art. XIII, § 1, Sub. L. Const. 

2. The office of Trustee may not be declared vacant for non-attendance. 

Pro. Sup. L. , 2 d Ann. Sess. p. 56. 

3. Causes Of removal. Any officer may be removed for 
inattention to his duties, or conduct unbecoming an officer of 
the Order; and vacancies occurring by reason of death, resig- 
nation or otherwise, shall be filled in the manner of the original 
selection, to serve the remainder of the term; but in case of a 
vacancy in office, nominations, election and installation may 
take place at the same meeting of the Lodge. 

Art. XIII, § 2, Sub. L. Const. 

4. Officers, suspension of. Officers of the Grand or of Subordinate Lodges 
are liable to suspension for non-payment of dues or assessments, the same as 
other members. 

5. Vacating office by absence. The Master Workman of a Subordinate 
Lodge has the right to declare vacant any office of a Subordinate Lodge, includ- 
ing that of Past Master Workman, if the constitution of the Subordinate Lodge 
shall so require or authorize. Should a vacancy thus occur in a Lodge during 
its first term, or in a Lodge where there is no Past Master Workman, any Mas- 
ter Workman degree member in good standing is eligible to the position, as in 
the case of the temporary absence of the Past Master Workman, when no other 
Past Master Workman is present. The person whose office is thus declared va- 
cant in a new Lodge is not entitled to any of the rights, privileges or preroga- 
tives appertaining to the position. The member filling the vacancy is entitled 
to all the rights, privileges or prerogatives thereto. The giving or according 
any right, privilege or prerogative to one whose office had thus been declared 
vacant, because of having filled that position, would be void and of no effect. 

Pro. 6 th Ann. Sess. S, Z., p. 401. 


REMOVALS AND VACANCIES. 


371 


Note — It is believed that this decision, so far as it relates to the right of de- 
claring the office of P. M. W. vacant, is intended to be limited to the case of a 
new Lodge. 

6. A Past Master Workman is not an officer who can be removed for 
absence from three successive meetings. 

Having been through the Master Workman’s chair he becomes ipso facto a 
Past Master Workman, and nothing can deprive him of the honors so long as 
he remains in good standing. 

Pro. G. L. Kansas , 1881, p. 91. 

7. Every officer against whom charges are preferred shall 
have a fair and impartial trial, in accordance with the laws, 
rules and regulations of the Order, and, unless otherwise or- 
dered by the Lodge, he shall officiate until the charges preferred 
against him shall have been determined. 

Art. XIII, § 3, Sub. L. Const. 

8. Reinstatement to membership does not restore office. An officer 
was suspended for a certain time, his office declared vacant and another mem- 
ber elected and installed to fill the vacancy. The suspended brother was after- 
ward reinstated. 

Such reinstatement does not restore him to the office he held when suspended. 

Ohio G. L . 1879. 

9. Vacancy. Representatives to Supreme Lodge, how filled. 

L. 20, App. to G. L. 

10. Caused by failure to file bond. 

See title “ Bonds of Officers,” par. 7. 

11. If a Master Workman is absent a majority of the meetings of a term 
he is still entitled to be installed as P. M. W., unless his office has previously 
been declared vacant and the Foreman recognized as Master Workman. 

Pro. G. L. IVis. , 1882, p. 15. 

12. Note. — The difficulties arising under the above circumstances, which 
have led to decisions apparently irreconcilable, seem to have for their basis a 
misuse of the term “ vacancy.” 

It is believed that the true theory is that the office of M. W. does not, strictly 
speaking, become vacant. 

The officer named may become disqualified, and when this occurs, a fact which 
should be determined by the Lodge, in the first instance, then the Foreman im- 
mediately succeeds to the position. 


1 


372 


REPORTS. 


13. The Past Master Workman of a Subordinate Lodge by virtue of 
Art. XIII, § 1, Sub. L. Const., has the power to declare the office of Master 
Workman vacant, for cause therein stated, but this power can only be exercised 
after investigation, and the fact shall fully appear that the officer has willfully 
absented himself from three successive stated meetings of the Lodge. . 

Pro. G. L. Or. and Wash.. 1882, p. 46. 

14. A Lodge cannot by a vote declare the office of Master Workman 
vacant. 

A vacancy can only occur by death, removal or resignation. 

Pro. G. L. Kansas. 1881, p. 90. 

See Vacancy. 

REORGANIZATION. 

See Delinquent and Defunct Lodges. 

1. Law. Disputes arising in an Odd Fellow’s Society con- 
sisting of several Lodges, whose rules directed the expulsion of 
any member who should for a given time neglect to pay his 
dues, all the members of one of the Lodges refused to pay, and 
in consequence the lodge was expelled, but the legality of their 
expulsion was in question. 

The remaining members afterwards duly registered, but un- 
der a new name, and appointed trustees. It was determined, 
that for the purpose of holding the funds of the society, the 
members so registered were the society, and that the trustees 
were entitled to delivery, by the Grand Master of the expelled 
Lodge, of funds in his hands. 

Yates vs. Roberts, 1 Drew. 170; 1 Jurist, N. S., 319; affirmed, 7 De G. 

Mac. & G. 227. 

REPORTS. 

Monthly. 

Semi-Annual. 

See Monthly Statement. 


1. Reports. The purchasing of a draft from a responsible bank, or post 
office money order, payable to the order of the Grand Receiver by a Subor- 
dinate Lodge, enclosed in an envelope, together with the regular beneficiary re- 


REPRESENTATIVES TO SUPREME LODGE. 


373 


turn addressed to the Grand Recorder at [ ], postpaid, and the filing of 

Satisfactory proof that the same was duly mailed, shall be considered as a return 
duly made under the provisions of § 8, Art. VII, Const , G. L. Mich., (§ 8, Art. 
VIII, S. L. Const., Ben. Art.,) unless it should thereafter appear that such return 
was not made. 

Pro. G. L. Mich., 1882, //. 104, 120. 

2 . Reports of Supreme Lodge officers are required to be made and re- 
feried before election takes place in that body. 

See Election, par. 2. 

REPRESENTATIVES TO SUPREME LODGE. 

1. Each Grand Lodge shall be entitled to three represent- 
atives in the Supreme Lodge. 

Art. II, § 2, Sup. L. Const. 

2. Note. — This relates only to the number of persons sent as representatives. 
The manner in which representatives cast the vote of the Grand Lodge will be 
found under title Voting, which see. 

3. Three representatives to the Supreme Lodge shall be 
elected at the time of institution of a Grand Lodge, in accord- 
ance with the Supreme Lodge Constitution, to serve until the 
next regular election, at which time, and at each succeeding 
regular election thereafter, representatives shall be elected to 
serve one year. Past Grand Master Workmen only are eligible 
to elections as Supreme representatives. 

Law 7, App. to G. L. 

4. Representatives to Supreme Lodges are officers of Grand Lodges. 

Representatives to the Supreme Lodge are officers of the Grand Lodge from 
which they are sent, and are entitled to mileage and per diem as other Grand 
Lodge officers while attending the meetings of their Grand Lodge. 

Pro. \th Ann. Sess, S. L., p. 216. 

See Grand Lodge,/. 227. 

5. Officer may act as representative A brother may simultaneously act 
in a double capacity of an officer of the Supreme Lodge and a representative 
from a Grand Lodge. 

Pro. 7th Ann. Sess. S. L. p. 107. 


374 


REPRESENTATIVES TO GRAND LODGE. 


6 . Representative vacancies. In case of a vacancy in the 
representatives from a Grand Lodge, the Grand Master Work- 
man thereof may appoint a qualified Past Grand Master Work- 
man to serve until the vacancy may be filled by a new election; 
provided, that in no case can a brother be appointed who is not 
in good standing in the Subordinate Lodge to which he belongs. 

Law 20, App. to G. L. 

7. If there is no Past Grand Master Workman to fill the vacancy, a 
Past Master Workman may be appointed. 

Dig., 1st Ed. 

8. The resignation or refusal to serve of a Supreme representative 
does not authorize the appointment of a Past Master Workman to fill the va- 
cancy, although there may be but three P. G. M. W. in the jurisdiction. When 
there are not three P. G. M. W. a P. M. W. may be elected or appointed as Su- 
preme representative, provided he is a member of the Grand Lodge he repre- 
sents, and not otherwise; that is to say, he must have received the P. M. W. 
degree in Grand Lodge. 

Pro. Sup. L. Sth Ann. Sess ., 1880, t>. 189. 

9. Eligibility of Grand Recorder. Grand Recorders are not eligible to 
election as Supreme representatives unless they have served for two consecutive 
years, and their Grand Lodges shall have before the election determined by a 
two-thirds vote that they shall thereafter be entitled to all the honors and pre- 
rogatives of Past Grand Master Workman. 

Pro. Sth Ann. Sess. Sup. L., 1880,/. 189. 

See Mileage and Per Diem. 

REPRESENTATIVES TO GRAND LODGE. 

1. Representative to Grand Lodge, who eligible. The acting Master 
Workman is eligible for election as representative at the end of his term of office, 
when the other officers are elected. 

It is not necessary that his successor shall have been installed. 

If re-elected he is entitled to all the rights of a P. M. W. 

Pro. S. L. Sth Ann. Sess., 1880, p. 186. 

2. A sitting Master Workman may be elected G. L. representative. 

Sup. L. Sth Ann. Sess., 1880 , pp. 186, 277. 


REPRESENTATIVES TO GRAND LODGE. 


375 


3. Only Past Master Workmen are eligible as representatives except 
when there are no P. M. W. in the Lodge, or all decline to serve. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1879. 

4. Note . — Representatives to Grand Lodge. Sections 3, 4, and 5, of 
Laws Applicable to Grand Lodges, provide for the election of three representa- 
tives from each Subordinate Lodge, when a Grand Lodge is to be formed. 
Grand Lodges, after their formation, provide in their constitutions as to the num- 
ber of representatives each Subordinate Lodge shall be entitled to, and the time 
and manner of their election. None but Past Master Workmen are eligible to 
election as representatives, unless the Lodge has not a sufficient number of Past 
Master Workmen, in which case any Master Workman degree member in good 
standing may be elected, and by virtue of such election and service as a repre- 
sentative, becomes entitled to the rank and honors of a Past Master Workman. 
No member is eligible to election as a representative unless he be in good stand- 
ing in his Subordinate Lodge. Should a representative, after his election, be- 
come suspended or disqualified to vote or hold office in his Subordinate Lodge, he 
would thereby become also disqualified to vote or hold office in the Grand 
Lodge. 

5. It is neither proper nor consistent for the chief executive of any Order 
to be a representative of any Subordinate Lodge. 

The Grand Master Workman is not eligible to be elected as representative 
from his own Lodge to the Grand Lodge, but said Lodge is entitled to'its proper 
number of representatives upon the floor of the Grand Body independent of the 
Grand Master Workman. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1882, p. 15. 

6 . If a Subordinate Lodge, when notified to elect repre- 
sentatives to participate in the formation of a Grand Lodge, or 
at any subsequent election of representatives, is without the 
requisite number of Past Master Workmen in good standing, 
it may elect a number sufficient to fill the quota from the M. W. 
degree members in good standing, who, by virtue of such elec- 
tion and service as representatives, become Past Master Work- 
men. 

L. 4, App. to G. Lodges . 

7. A representative to the G. L. should be a citizen of the State. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1880, p. 169. 


376 


REPRESENTATIVES TO GRAND LODGE. 


8 . A representative chosen from the floor of the Lodge not having passed 
the M. W. chair, but having received the P. M. W. degree at the Grand Lodge, 
is entitled to all the honors of a P. M. W. in his Subordinate Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. JV. Y, 1883. 

9. Eligibility. Although the P. M. W. elected at the institution of a new 
Lodge may have held the chair only a part of the term, yet he is eligible to 
election as Grand representative. 

Pro. Wis. Grand Lodge , 1881. 

10. Eligibility. The retiring Master Workman is eligible as representative. 
A candidate for representative need not be a P. M. W. at the time of his elec- 
tion, if in the due course of law he will become such at the time he applies for 
admission to the Grand Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Mich., 1879, p. 53. 

11. A representative must be elected by ballot the same as any other 
officer. It is not necessary that a nomination should precede the election. — Ibid. 

12. Past Master Workman entitled to seat. A Past Master Workman 
who is not a representative is entitled to a seat in the Grand Lodge, and to 
speak, provided he has permission of the Grand Master Workman. 

Pro. G. L. Ky., 1878 , p. 27. 

13. Proxy. A representative to the Grand Lodge cannot give a proxy nor 
delegate his authority. 

Pro. G. L. Minn., 1879, P* 3 2 - 

14. Eligibility. Retiring Master Workman, a Recorder, Financier or Re- 
ceiver who has a certificate from his Lodge entitling him to the G. L. degree is 
eligible as Grand representative, subject to the action of the Grand Lodge. 

Dec. G. M. W., Pro. G. L. Ky., 1882 , p. 11. 

15. Under the former law of Maryland, which entitled each Lodge to 
three representatives, it was held that in a Lodge where there are four P. M. W., 
if two decline an election as representatives to G. L. the third representative 
cannot be elected from the floor. 

Pro. G. L. Md., N. J ., and Del., 1882 , pp. 19, 67. 

Among Grand Lodges which have held to the contrary are Maryland, New 
Jersey and Delaware, 1882, p. 19. 

16. The Master Workman filling the chair to the end of his term, if re- 
elected, shall be eligible as Grand Lodge representative. 

Pro. G. L. Kansas , 1880, p. 12. 


RESIDENCE OF APPLICANTS. 


377 


17. A M. W. who has been elected such two terms is a P. M. W., and 
eligible as representative to the G. L. 

Pro. G. L. III., 1879, p. 177. 

18. Where a Lodge is entitled to two representatives but has only one 
P. M. W., both representatives cannot be elected from the floor, but the P. M. 
W. must be one of them. 

Pro. G. L. Or. and Wash., 1881 , p. 11. 

19. Eligibility. Certain Financiers, Recorders and Receivers having served 
three consecutive years were allowed to take the P. M. W. degree, and were 
thereupon admitted as representatives. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1883, p. 6. 

20. Representative must be a member of the Lodge represented. To 

represent a Lodge the representative must be a member of such Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1883. 

21. Basis of representation. A Subordinate Lodge being entitled to one 
representative for seventy-four members or under, and one for every additional 
fifty or fraction thereof, held that by “ members ” was intended Master Work- 
man degree members in good standing, they alone being qualified to' take part in 
the election. 

Pro. G L. Wis., 1881 , p. 18. 

For additional decisions, 

See Past Master Workman. 

REPRIMAND. 

See Trial. 

RESIDENCE OF APPLICANTS. 

1. No person shall be permitted to join a Lodge of this 
Order out of the State, District or Territory wherein he resides, 
except by permission of the Supreme Lodge or the Grand 
Lodge, as the case may be, having jurisdiction in such State, 
District or Territory; or, during the vacation of the Supreme 
or Grand Lodge, the permission of the Supreme Master Work- 
man or Grand Master Workman. 


L. 13, of Gen. App. 


378 


RESIDENCE OF APPLICANTS. 


2. Note . — The above is the only general law on the subject. The word 
“ District” does not apply to districts composed of counties, etc., under a Grand 
Lodge. The various Grand Jurisdictions regulate the matter within their limits. 
The general rule is, that an applicant must be initiated in the Lodge nearest to 
his place of residence, unless the consent of such nearest Lodge be given to his 
being initiated in some other Lodge. Grand Lodges do not all adopt the rule 
precisely in this form, but it may be regarded as the general law to be followed, 
unless some other rule is specifically laid down by a Grand Lodge. 

Dig., 1 st Ed , par. 492. 

3. In the absence of an express law on the subject, Lodges have no 
right to entertain a proposition for membership from a person who resides nearer 
to some other Lodge than to the one where the application is made, without the 
written consent of such nearer Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. IVis., 1882,/. 15. 

4. No Lodge can receive an applicant for membership unless it is near- 
est to where the applicant resides, except in towns where there are twojor more 
Lodges, in which case a resident of the town may join either Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Kansas , 1882, p. 12. 

5. Residence. An applicant whose family resides in Iowa cannot join a 
Lodge in Illinois without a dispensation from the Grand Master Workman of 
Iowa. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1881,/. 268. 

6. Applicant may join nearest Lodge. An applicant has .the right to 
join the Lodge nearest his place of residence, although said residence is in a 
district different from that in which the Lodge is situated. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1883, p. 12. 

7. Where a Grand Lodge has laid down no specific rule, a candidate 
must be initiated in the Lodge nearest his place of residence, and it is for the 
interest of Lodges and the Order to have the consent of Lodges at a party’s 
place of residence when he desires to join a Lodge in another town. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1882 , p. 13. 

8. Illinois. A person living in one county may become a' member of Ja 
Lodge in another county if it is nearer his place of residence than any Lodge in 
the county in which he resides. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1882,/ 369. 


RESIDENCE OF APPLICANTS. 


379 


9. Deposit of card. A member residing in the town where his Lodge is sit- 
uated, having applied for and received a [clearance] card, cannot while he re- 
mains in that town legally join a Lodge in another town. 

Pro . G. L. Kansas , 1882,/. 11. 

10. Kentucky. The constitution of the G. L. of Kentucky asserts that the 
degrees cannot be legally conferred upon residents of Kentucky by the Subor- 
dinate Lodges of any other State without the consent of the Lodge nearest to 
which the applicant resides, and of the Grand Master Workman. 

Art. Ill, § 1, Const. G. L. Ky. 

11. Residence in foreign jurisdiction. It is contrary to the principles of 
the Order for any Lodge in any jurisdiction to receive the petition of a person 
or persons living in another jurisdiction where Lodges have been established, 
without the consent of such Lodges or tha Grand Master Workman of the State 
where the applicant resides. 

Pro. G. L. Ky., 1 st Session , 1873, p. 6. 

12. Ontario. A candidate for admission must apply to the nearest Lodge, 
but where there are two or more Lodges in the same city, etc., such Lodges have 
concurrent jurisdiction 

Pro . G. L. Ont ., 1881, p. 53. 

13. An applicant from one city, town or village cannot join a Lodge in 
another city, town or village without consent of the Lodge having jurisdiction. 

Pro. G. L. Ont., 1880, p. 36. 

14. Lodges on the border of Canada cannot take in members from the 
United States unless by consent of the Grand Master Workman of that State 
having jurisdiction. 

Pro. G. L. Ont., 1880, p. 37. 

15. Application for membership must be made to the Lodge located near- 
est the residence of the applicant, unless the applicant has the written consent of 
such Lodge to join elsewhere. 

Pro. G. L. Oreg. and Wash., 1882 , p. 46. 

See Membership Qualifications, par. 29. 


380 


REVENUE. 


RESOLUTIONS. 

i. A resolution of the G. L. not offered as an amendment to the consti- 
tution, has, nevertheless, if adopted, the force of law in the regulation of Sub- 
ordinates. 

Dec. G. M. W. 

Pro. G. L. Mo., 1878, p. 28. 

See also Pro. G. L. Mo., 1880 ,pp. 75, 79. 

But see Amendment, par. 3, 5, and 6. 

Where limitation of above rule is stated. 

RETURNS. 

See Subordinate Lodge Returns. 

REVENUE. 

1. Revenue of Supreme Lodge, assessments for. The 

assessments for revenue made by the Supreme Lodge shall be 
prescribed from time to time by the regulations thereof, and of 
which due notice shall be given to all concerned. Any Grand 
Lodge failing to pay all assessments made upon it, or to make 
returns as required, shall forfeit all right to representation in 
the Supreme Lodge, and the names of its representatives shall 
not be enrolled as members of the Supreme Lodge. If such 
assessments be not paid within thirty days after notice thereof, 
the Supreme Master Workman shall suspend the charter of such 
delinquent Lodge, and the members thereof, from all rights and 
privileges of the beneficiary fund and of the Order. Said sus- 
pension may be removed at any time within three months, upon 
the payment of all assessments due, if, in the opinion of the 
Supreme Master Workman, the welfare of the Order may so 
require. 

Art. XI, Sup. L. Const. 

2. Revenue of Supreme Lodge. 

See Supreme Lodge. 


RITUALS AND RITUALISTIC WORK. 


381 


3. Every Subordinate Lodge [under the immediate jurisdiction of the Su- 
preme Lodge] is required to send the sum of fifty cents with each payment of an 
assessment notice. 

Art. VIII, § 15, Sup . L. Const. 

RITUALS AND RITUALISTIC WORK. 

1. No Grand Lodge has the power or authority to refuse or neglect to 
comply with the action and requirements of the Supreme Lodge as to the Rituals 
of the Order. The Supreme Lodge has absolute control over all the secret and 
ritualistic work of the Order. 

Pro. 6th Ann. Sess. S. L., pp. 362, 367. 

2. Secret journal. All the proceedings of the Supreme Lodge, whilst in 
secret session, and all of the secret work of the Order, written and unwritten, 
shall be recorded and described, and all changes and amendments noted, in a 
suitable book (or books), to be known as the secret journal, which journal shall 
be in the possession of the Supreme Master Workman, and shall be brought to 
every annual session of the Supreme Lodge. 

Pro. id Ann. Sess. S. L ., p. 63. 

3. The unwritten work of the Order shall not be altered 
or amended except by a two-thirds vote of the representatives 
present at an annual meeting. 

Const., Art. IV, §1. 

4. Alteration of ritualistic work forbidden. A Subordinate Lodge has 
no right nor power to omit any part of the ritual or alter its phraseology in any 
manner. 

Pro. G. L. IVis., 1881. 

5. Care of the rituals. The rituals must not be taken from the Lodge- 
room, but the officers of a Lodge may, with the consent of the Master Work- 
man, copy the lectures pertaining to their several offices, for the purpose of 
committing the same to memory; provided proper care is taken to keep them 
from observation, and they are subsequently returned to the Master Workman 
and by him destroyed. 

See Guide, duties of. 

6 . Obligations. The obligations must be used just as they are. They can 
only be changed by the Supreme Lodge. 

Pro. 4 th Ann. Sess. Sup. L. t pp. 169, 204. 


382 


RITUALS AND RITUALISTIC WORK. 


7. Odes, singing of. Lodges can only sing the Odes which are printed in 
the ritual. 

Dig ., 1st Ed., par. 596. 

Ode cards were stricken out of the list of prohibited work at the 7th annual 
session of the Supreme Lodge. 

8. Taking rituals from the Lodge-room should not be permitted, even 
to enable officers to memorize them. No matter how laudable the intention, 
the practice is fraught with inconvenience, difficulty, and danger. Committees 
report. 

See Pro. G. L . Iowa , 1877, p. 61. 

To the contrary see Ibid, p. 26, G. M. W. report. 

9. The Master Workman is the proper person to instruct his members in 
the signs and passwords. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 70. 

10. Officers should commit their charges and lectures, and the unwritten 
work must neither be written nor printed. 

Pro. Sup. L ., 12 th Ann. Sess., 1884. 

11. Charges memorized. Officers of Subordinate Lodges are compelled to 
commit charges to memory. (See instructions in ritual ) 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1884, p. 665. 

12. A Subordinate Lodge can only be opened for the transaction of 
business by the regular ritual of the Order. 

Pro. G. L. Ont., 1884, p. 74. 

13. It is not lawful to commit the secret work to writing. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1878, p. 20. 

14. A key of the secret work is furnished by the Supreme Recorder to 
each Grand Lodge, and no duplicate of the same shall be made. 

Pro. S. L ., Sth Ann. Sess. p. 324. 

15. Communicated only orally. The retiring Master Workman should not 
write the secret work for his successor. 

It should never be given except orally. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1879,/. 179. 


RULES OF ORDER. 


383 


16. Ritual not submitted to inspection of priest. Our ritual may not be 
submitted to the inspection of a Catholic priest to enable him to ascertain 
whether his parishioners should be granted permission to become members of 
the Order. 

Pro. G. L. Mo ., 1882, p. 25. 

ROLL. 

See Voting, also Rules. 

ROBERTS’ RULES. 

See Rules. 

RULES OF ORDER. 

1. Rules of order. Roberts’ Rules of Order shall govern 
the parliamentary practice of' the Supreme Lodge and all Grand 
Lodges, when not otherwise provided for. 

L. 48, of Gen. App. 

2. Rules of order of the Supreme Lodge. At each session of the Su- 
preme Lodge, the proper officer shall call the Lodge to order at the hour fixed 
for opening. 

3. The proper officer shall take the chair each day precisely at the time 
fixed for the meeting, and immediately call the members to order, and on the 
appearance of a quorum proceed to business. 

4. At the expiration of 30 minutes after the specified time of meeting, if 
there be not a quorum, the members present may organize informally, call the 
roll, note the absentees, make an order for their fine or censure, and may ad- 
journ to such time as they may deem right and proper, or they may send the 
Guide for absentees. 

5. No question relating to the construction of the constitution or interpre- 
tation of the general laws shall be entertained, unless in writing, and the same 
shall not be acted upon until it has been referred to the Committee on Laws and 
Supervision. 

6. The meetings of this Lodge shall commence in the morning at 9 o’clock, 
and in the afternoon at 2 o’clock. 

7. No member shall speak more than twice on the same question without 
leave of the Lodge, and not then until every member present has had an oppor- 
tunity to speak to the question. 

8. All members entitled to a vote shall vote on all questions. 


384 


RULES OF ORDER. 


9. All resolutions, petitions, reports of committees and officers shall be in 
writing and signed by the authors thereof. 

10. Any or all of these rules may be suspended or amended, or the follow- 
ing order of business may be transposed by a two-thirds vote of the Supreme 
Lodge. 

11. The previous question may be ordered by a majority vote of the Su- 
preme Lodge. 

12. Daily order of business : 

1st. Calling the roll of Officers and Representatives. 

2d. Reading of the Journal. 

3d. Report of Committee on Credentials. 

4th. Presentation of Resolutions, Memorials, Petitions and Appeals. 

5th. Report of Committee on Finaace and Mileage. 

6th. Report of Committee on Appeals and Grievances. 

7th. Report of Committee on Laws and Supervision. 

Sth. Report of Special Committees. 

9th. Unfinished Business. 

10th. New Business. 

Pro. $th Ann. Sess. S. L., pp. 284, 286. 

13. Propositions intended for the consideration of the several committees 
shall be referred without the vote of the Supreme Lodge, and all such proposi- 
tions must be printed or written in duplicate, and if in writing, they must be 
written on paper half as large as a sheet of foolscap, one copy of each proposi- 
tion to be filed by the Supreme Recorder, and one placed in the hands of the 
committee to whom it was referred. 

Pro. o,th Ann. Sess. S. L., p. 178 ; 5 th Ann. Sess., p. 249. 

14. Acceptance of invitations. No invitation to attend any meeting, 
reception, entertainment or excursion, for the Supreme Lodge as a Lodge, shall 
be accepted, unless by a two-thirds vote of the Supreme Lodge. 

Pro. 'jth Ann. Sess., Sup. L. p: 106. 

15. All propositions to amend the constitutions of Supreme or Grand 
Lodges [general laws have been since created], or to alter or amend the consti- 
tution of Subordinate Lodges under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge, 
shall be introduced prior to the adjournment at noon on the third day of the 
Supreme Lodge meeting. 

Pro. S. L., 1879, p. 5. 

This rule may be suspended. 

See Pro. <$th Ann. Sess., 1881, p. 440. 


RULES OF ORDER, ETC. 


385 



1 6. The roll of Grand Lodges shall be called at each morning session for 
the introduction and reference of petitions, resolutions, etc. 

Pro. nth Ann. Sess., Sup. L., 1883, p. 54. 

Note . — A vote by Grand Lodges is taken on the call of five members, and, as 
a matter of course, on all elections. 

Art. IV, § 2, Sup. L. Const. 

For votes requiring two-thirds, etc., see Voting. 

17. Standing rule relating to amendments presented for approval. 

All by-laws and amendments thereto of Lodges under the immediate jurisdic- 
tion of the Supreme Lodge, and all constitutions of Grand Lodges and general 
laws and amendments thereto, before taking effect shall be forwarded in dupli- 
cate to the Supreme Recorder, duly attested by the signature of the Recorder or 
Grand Recorder, as the case may be, with the proper seal affixed. The Supreme 
Recorder shall then note upon a record the date of the reception thereof, and 
forward the same to the chairman of the Committee on Laws and Supervision, 
who shall forward the same, if approved, to the Supreme Master Workman, if 
the Supreme Lodge is not in session. If approved by him, or the Supreme 
Lodge, the same shall be returned to the Supreme Recorder, who shall retain 
one copy on file in his office and the other he shall return to the Recorder or 
Grand Recorder, as the case may be, of the Lodge or Grand Lodge adopting 
same. 


RULES OF ORDER OF GRAND LODGE. 


Except the general provision that the parliamentary practice of Grand Lodges 
shall be governed by Roberts’ Rules of Order, unless the Grand Lodge shall 
otherwise determine, there are no uniform rules for the transaction of Grand 
Lodge business, but each Grand Lodge may prescribe its own practice. 


RULES OF ORDER FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF SUBOR- 


DINATE LODGES 


1. Opening of the Lodge. The M. W. having taken the chair, the officers 
and members, clothed in their regalia, shall take their respective seats, and at 
the sound of the gavel there shall be general silence. 

2. Order of business. The order of business laid down in the ritual shall 
be followed as the established rule, but this order may be suspended when occa- 
sion requires, by the M. W., with the general consent of the Lodge, or by a 
majority vote; but in any event all the heads of business must be called at a 
regular meeting of the Lodge before adjournment takes place. 


25 




386 


RULES OF ORDER, ETC. 


3. The Master Workman. The M. W. shall preserve order and pro- 
nounce the decisions of the Lodge on all subjects. He shall decide questions of 
law, subject to an appeal to the Grand Lodge or the Grand Master Workman, 
and questions of order, subject to an appeal to the Lodge by any two members. 

4. The M. W. shall decide questions of order without debate, but he 
may ask for and hear remarks upon such questions, if he so desire, before giving 
his decision. 

5. The M. W. is entitled to vote in an election for officers, or on ballot- 
ing for candidates. When the members of the Lodge are equally divided on any 
question, he has the casting vote. 

6. The M. W. wishing to speak upon or debate any question before the 
Lodge, must call the Foreman to the chair before so doing. 

7. In the absence of the *M. W. and Foreman for the evening, a P. M. 
W. will preside. 

8. Appeals on questions of order. Any two members may take an ap- 
peal from the decision of the chair upon a question of order, when the question 
before the Lodge shall be, “Shall the decision of the chair stand as the judg- 
ment of the Lodge ?” 

9. On an appeal on a question of order, the M. W. can speak without 
leaving his station, and no member shall speak more than once. 

10. Decorum in the Lodge. During the reading of the minutes, or of 
communications, bills or other papers, and when an officer or member is speak- 
ing, or the M. W. is putting a question, silence must be maintained in the Lodge. 

11. Any member who shall conduct himself in a disorderly manner in the 
Lodge, and shall refuse to obey the presiding officer when called to order, may 
be excluded from the Lodge room for the evening, and afterwards dealt with as 
the Lodge may provide. 

12. Order in debate. If two or more members rise to speak at the same 
time, the M. W. shall decide which is entitled to the floor. 

13. Each member speaking to any question, shall stand and respectfully 
address the M. W., confine himself to the question before the Lodge, and avoid 
all personalities and indecorous language. 

14. A member shall not be interrupted while speaking, except to call him 
to order, or for the purpose of explanation, or on a question of privilege. 

15. If a member be called to order while speaking, he shall at once take 
his seat until the question of order is determined. If decided against him he 
shall not proceed without the consent of the Lodge. 


RULES OF ORDER, ETC. 


387 


16. No member shall speak more than once upon the same subject or 
question, until all wishing to speak upon it have had an opportunity to do so, 
nor more than twice without permission of the Lodge. 

17* No member shall disturb another when speaking, unless to call him 
to order, nor stand up to interrupt him, nor pass between him and the chair, 
or leave the hall while he is speaking. 

18. Every member speaking shall designate any officer or member spoken 
of by his proper rank and title in the Order. 

19. The consequences of a measure may be reprobated, but it is not in 
order to arraign the motives of those who advocate it, nor to reflect upon the 
Lodge or its members, or the officers or authorities of the Order. 

20. Motions in general. A motion must be made, seconded and stated 
from the chair before it is subject to debate. 

21. A member rising to make a motion may be allowed to preface it with 
brief remarks strictly confined to an explanation of the purpose of the motion 
he is about to offer. 

22. A motion which has been made, seconded and stated from the chair, 
cannot be withdrawn without the consent of the Lodge. 

23. Before putting a question the M. W. shall ask, “ Is the Lodge ready 
for the question ?” If no member rise to speak, and the M. W. has risen to put 
the question, no debate on it is then in order. 

24. Amendments. An amendment must be made, seconded and stated in 
the same manner as an original motion. 

25. When a motion to amend an amendment has been made, no further 
amendment is in order until that motion has been disposed of. 

26. Amendments may be made (1) by inserting or adding certain words, 
(2) by strikmg out, or (3) by striking out and inserting. 

2y. A substitute is to be regarded as an amendment by striking out and in- 
serting. 

28. Filling blanks. When a blank is to be filled, the question shall first 
be taken on the highest or largest sum or number, and the longest or latest time. 

29. Division of the question. Any member may call for a division of the 
question when the sense will admit of it, but a motion to strike out and insert 
shall not be divided except at the option of the mover. 

30. Division of the Lodge. Any member doubting the decision of a ques- 
tion, may, immediately after it is announced, call for a division of the Lodge, 
and a count of the affirmative and negative votes. 


388 


RULES OF ORDER, ETC. 


31. Upon the call of five members, made when a question is about to be 
put to the lodge, the yeas and nays shall be taken and entered upon the minutes. 

32. Motions not subject to amendment. The motions to adjourn, to lie 
on the table, to postpone indefinitely, for the previous question, to reconsider, 
or to suspend the rules, cannot be amended. 

33. Motions not debatable. The motions to adjourn, to lie on the table, 
for the previous question, and to take up a subject which has been laid upon the 
table are not subject to debate. 

34. Subsidiary motions. When a principal question is before the Lodge, 
either of the following motions may be applied to it : to lie on the table, for the 
previous question, to postpone to a certain time, to commit, to amend, or to 
postpone indefinitely, which motions shall severally have precedence in the order 
here arranged. 

35. Lie on the table. The motion to lie on the table takes precedence of 
all other subsidiary motions. If adopted, it sets aside the whole subject before 
the Lodge, including pending amendments. 

36. A subject laid upon the table may be taken up by a majority vote after 
the transaction of any other business. 

37. Previous question. Upon a call for the previous question being made 
by two members, the M. W. shall immediately put the question, “ Shall the main 
question be now put?” If a majority of the votes be in the affirmative, debate 
shall cease, and the question shall be put, first upon any amendment or amend- 
ments which may be pending, and then upon the main question. 

38. If the demand for the previous question is not sustained by a major- 
ity of the Lodge, the question under discussion remains before the Lodge in the 
same position as before the call for the previous question was made. 

39. Reconsideration. A motion to reconsider shall not be received unless 
made at the same meeting at which the action to be reconsidered was had, and 
by a member who voted with the prevailing side. 

40. The adoption of a motion to reconsider a vote places the subject 
before the Lodge in the exact condition in which it was before such vote was 
taken. 

41. Indefinite postponement. When a question is indefinitely postponed, 
it shall not be acted upon at the same or the next subsequent meeting. 

42. Committees. The member first named on a committee shall act as 
chairman until another is chosen by the members of the committee. 

43. The mover of a resolution for a special committee is usually the first 
named thereon. 


RULES OF ORDER, ETC. 


389 


44. Any member may excuse himself from serving on a committee if, at 
the time of his appointment, he is a member of two other committees. 

45* When the report of a special committee has been received, the com- 
mittee is thereby discharged without a motion for that purpose, but it may be re- 
vived by a vote to recommit the report. 

46. Reports of committees. When a report of a committee is offered, it 
will be received and read, as by general consent, if no objection is offered. If 
objection is made, the consent of the Lodge, by a majority vote, is necessary 
before the report shall be read. 

47. When a report of a committee has been read to the Lodge, it is then 
in the possession of the Lodge, and may be adopted, amended, postponed, re- 
committed, laid on the table, or otherwise disposed of, as a majority of the 
Lodge may determine. 

48. Limiting debate. The Lodge may, by a majority vote, adopt in ad- 
vance a special order requiring debate on any motion or subject to cease at a 
specified time. 

49. Reading papers, etc. All official communications or notices to the 
Lodge from the Supreme or Grand Lodge, or their proper officers, and all bills 
and accounts or other papers relating to the business of the Lodge, shall be read 
by the Recorder when the proper order of business has been reached. 

50. The Recorder shall briefly state the nature of any communications or 
papers addressed to the Lodge or placed on his desk, not included in the above 
rule, but they shall not be read unless by general consent or by a vote of the 
Lodge. 

51. Every member has the right to have any paper which is brought before 
the Lodge for its action read once in the Lodge before a vote is taken on it, but 
after it has been once read, a call for another reading is subject to the consent of 
the Lodge. On such call for a reading for information, the M. W. will direct 
the paper to be read, unless objection is made, in which case the consent of a 
majority of the Lodge must first be obtained. 

52. Adjournment. A motion to adjourn is not in order until the heading 
“Good of the Order” is reached, and if adopted, adjournment does not take 
place until the Financier’s report is read, and the Lodge closed in due form. 

53. Suspension of rules. Any of these Rules of Order may be suspended 
by a two-thirds vote, or by general consent; provided that no rule which involves 
any constitutional provision or requirement of any law of the Order shall at 
any time be suspended. 


390 


RULES OF ORDER, ETC. 


54. Roberts’ manual. “Roberts’ Rules of Order ’’shall be authority on 
all questions of order arising in the Lodge, which may not be provided for in 
these rules. 

55. Order of business may be returned to. The Master Workman can 
revert to any order of business after having passed it without any motion to do 
so. 

Dig., 1 si Ed., par. 660. 

56. Minutes approved only at stated meeting. The minutes of a Lodge 
can only be approved at a stated meeting. 

Dig., 1 si Ed., par. 661. 

57. When an association by its by-laws adopts the rules 
in Cushing’s Manual for the government of all debates of its 
members, and no other provision is made on that subject in the 
by-laws, Cushing’s Manual must control the members of the 
corporation in that matter. That provides that if offensive 
words are not taken notice of at the time they are spoken , but the 
member is allowed to finish his speech, and then any other per- 
son speaks, or any other matter of business intervenes, before 
notice is taken of the words which gave offense, the words are 
not to be written down, nor the member using them censured. 

Therefore, where a member in debate, at a meeting of the 
corporation, uses what are considered offensive and improper 
words, which are not objected to or noticed at the time or dur- 
ing the meeting, he cannot be tried and expelled for using those 
words, upon charges made at a subsequent meeting. Such ex- 
pulsion is not authorized by the by-laws. 

People vs. American Institute, 44 How., 468. 

58. Pennsylvania. Rules of order laid down in the Digest do not govern 
Subordinate Lodges in Pennsylvania. The Lodge may adopt its own rules of 
Order. 

In case of a conflict of authority those of the Supreme Lodge would govern. 

Pro. G. L. Pa., 1883, p. 25. 


SABBATH. 


See Meetings, par. 6. 

SALARY. 

See Assessment, par. So. 

i. Salary of Supreme Lodge officer must be fixed before election. 

See Election, par. 3. 

SALOON-KEEPERS. 

See Members, par. 25, 26, Intoxicating Liquors. 

SEAL. 

1. Seal of the Supreme Lodge. The impress seal of the Supreme Lodge 
is the official seal of the Supreme Recorder and of all financial matters of the 
Supreme Lodge; and the electrotype seal is the official seal of the Supreme 
Master Workman. The same law applies to all State Grand Lodges. 

Pro. 1st Ann. Sess , S. L ., p. 14. 

4 

2. The Supreme Recorder shall have a chromatic seal plate to print the 
seal in colors, and the same shall be affixed to charters by him, and have the 
impress seal of the Supreme Lodge on the same. 

Pro. sth Ann. Sess. S. L , p. 315. 

3. The Supreme Recorder is hereby directed to attach a chromatic seal to 
each charter sold or issued by the Supreme Lodge. 

Pro. *]th Ann. Sess. S. L. , 1880, p. 93. 

4. The seal of the Supreme Lodge must be used on orders drawn on the 
Supreme Receiver. 

See Moneys, how paid out. 

5. Seal of Grand Lodge. The impress seal of a Grand Lodge is the 
official seal of the Grand Recorder, and of all financial matters of the Grand 
Lodge, and the electrotype seal is the official seal of the Grand Master Workman. 

Pro. 1st Ann. Sess. S. L.,p. 14. 

6 . Seal, use of. A communication coming from a Recorder of a Lodge, 
or a District Deputy Grand Master Workman, is official without a seal (when 


392 


SEAL. 


a seal has not yet been obtained), but the officer sending such communication 
should write under his signature the words, “ No Seal.” 

7 . Note. — The rule in regard to seals, founded on general usage and civil 
law, is that all official communications from a body or officer having an official 
seal should be attested by such seal. In the case of new Lodges, etc., commu- 
nications have to be sometimes written before a seal has been obtained. 

Dig . , ist Ed., par. 666. 

8. Note. — The official seal of a Grand Lodge, as used by the Grand Re- 
corder in attesting official certificates and other papers, is impressed in the paper. 
That of the Grand Master Workman is the same seal printed on the paper, [see 
No. — ]. In sending out printed circulars, etc., however, the Grand Recorders 
usually use the printed seal, and this custom seems to be sanctioned by usage. 

9. Note. — A District Deputy Grand Master Workman is not an officer 
of the Grand Lodge, and has no official seal. He is a subordinate or represent- 
ative of the Grand Master Workman, and as such is generally authorized to use 
the printed seal of the Grand Lodge on communications to indicate his official 
authority. 

10. Seal of Subordinate Lodge — official seal. The Lodge shall have an 
official seal with appropriate devices, which shall be affixed to all official docu- 
ments and papers issued by and under authority of the Lodge, an impression of 
which shall be deposited in the office of the Supreme Recorder. 

Art XVII, § 1, Sub. L. Const. 

11. The laws of the Order require each Lodge to provide a seal, * * * 

and it should be procured as soon as possible after institution. 

Pro. G. L. Mich., 1879,/. 3 1 - 

12. Communications from Lodges should be under seal of the Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Jlls., 1883, p. 489. 

13. The seal of the Lodge must be affixed to documents or notices sent 
from one Lodge to another. 

Pro. G. L. 111., 1881, p. 268. 

I 

14. Death notices should be under the seal of the Lodge, yet there may be 
circumsi.ances which would render it not an absolute prerequisite. 

Pro. S. L . , 1883, p. 144. 

15* The Committee on Laws and Supervision will not act on any matter 
[as an amendment to by-laws, etc.,] unless it be properly certified to them by 
the Recorder under seal of the Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Mo., 1882, p. 95. 


SEAL 


393 


16. Assessment notices The seal need not be attached to Financier’s 
assessment notices. 

Pro. G. L. Ohio , 1878. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1884, p. 56. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1881. 

Seal on clearance card. 

See Card. 

On order for password. 

See Password. 

17* Consent for renewal in another Lodge of rejected application for mem- 
bership must be under seal. 

See Penna. Rev. Dec., 22 , p. 3.. 

A request made to a Lodge to confer a degree upon a member of another 
Lodge must be under seal of the latter Lodge. 

See Penna. Rev. Dec., 119. 

18. An investigating committee writing to a Lodge in regard to a card 
need not do so under the seal of the Lodge. 

It is better that the Recorder should be a member thereof, and that the seal 
should then be used. 

Pro. G. L. California, 1884, p. 57. 

19. The Recorder is the official keeper of the seal, but he has no right to 
use it on any document unless authorized by the Lodge so to do. 

Pro. G. L. California , 1883, p. 13. 

20. Seal should be safely kept. The seal of the Subordinate Lodge should 
be kept in a safe place in the Lodge-room, and should not be taken home by the 
Recorder. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1884, p. 664. 

21. The Recorder has no right to place the seal on documents not ordered 
by the Lodge. — Ibid. 

22. The seal of the Subordinate Lodge should be in charge of the Re- 
corder. 

Art. X, § 5, Sub. L. Const. 

See Trial. 


394 


SERVICE OF CHARGES. 


SECRET JOURNAL. 

i. The action of the Supreme Lodge relating to rituals, secret work, 
etc., is recorded in the secret journal. 

See Ritual. 

SECRET WORK. 

See Rituals and Ritualistic Work. 

I. It is lawful for a member to inform an absent member of the business 
done in the Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Cal ., 1884, p . 57. 

SEMI-ANNUAL PASSWORD. 

See Password. 

SEPARATE JURISDICTIONS. 

See Beneficiary System, Beneficiary Fund, Etc. 

Separate jurisdictions, disbursement of. 

See Supreme Recorder. 

Art. VIII, § 19, Sup. L. Const. 

1. Separate beneficiary jurisdiction. An application for the setting apart 
of a separate beneficiary jurisdiction may be withdrawn. 

See Pro. %th Ann. Sess. Sup. Z., pp. 192, 193. 

SERVICE. 

Term of, see Officer. 

SERVICE OF NOTICE. 

See Notice. 

SERVICE OF CHARGES. 

I. Substituted service. Where no charges could be served upon a mem- 
ber guilty of a gross offense by reason of his having absconded, and the Lodge 
having thereafter received money from St. L. in a registered letter to pay the 
member’s assessments. 

Held that the money should be received, since the person was still a member. 

That charges should be sent enclosed in a registered letter to the member at 
St. L. , and that at the time appointed for the trial, of which notice should be 
also sent, the trial should proceed, whether the member be present or absent. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1880, p. 263. 

See Trial. 


SICK BENEFITS. 


395 


SICK BENEFITS. 

1. Any Subordinate Lodge of the Order may, or may not, 
provide in its by-laws for payment of weekly sick benefits. 
When providing for such payment, it must be in accordance 
with the laws enacted by the Supreme Lodge or Grand Lodge 
under whose jurisdiction such Subordinate Lodge may be. 

L. 47, of Gen. App. 

2. Note . — The above law gives to each Grand Lodge the entire control of 
the sick benefits within the limits of its jurisdiction. 

Dig. , 1 st Ed . , par. 544. 

3. Any member of the Lodge entitled to benefits by the 
provisions of the by-laws of the Lodge, who, through sickness 
or other disability, is unable to follow his usual business, or 
some other occupation, shall be considered a beneficiary mem- 
ber, entitled to receive such weekly benefits as the by-laws pre- 
scribe; provided , that such member is not in arrears to the Lodge 
to the amount of three months’ dues, and that he is a member 
of the Master Workman’s degree, and that his sickness or disa- 
bility is not of a permanent character, or such as does not pre- 
vent other men similarly afflicted from pursuing their avocations; 
and provided that his sickness or disability has not originated 
from intemperance, vicious or immoral conduct; and provided 
he is not disabled by any disease or infirmity by which he was 
afflicted previous to his initiation into the Lodge; and provided 
that the Lodge may reduce the benefits of a sick or disabled 
brother fifty per cent, if the Lodge has been paying him bene- 
fits for the space of six months. Any member who shall be 
taken sick or disabled, while in arrears to the Lodge to the 
amount of three months’ dues, cannot, by payment of his ar- 
rearages, become beneficial during such sickness; nor can a 
brother, while receiving benefits from the Lodge, become in ar- 
rears so as to debar him from them, the Master Workman being 
authorized to pay the Financier, from the amount drawn for his 
weekly benefits, a sum sufficient to prevent his becoming in ar- 


396 


SICK BENEFITS. 


rears to the Lodge to the amount of three months’ dues; nor 
shall a member be entitled to weekly benefits while charges are 
pending against him, under the penal provisions of the laws; 
but if, after due trial, he shall be acquitted or exonerated, he 
may claim benefits for the time. 

Art. XII, § I, Sub. L. Const. 

4. Note . — The above law is binding only upon Subordinate Lodges under the 
immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge. Each Grand Lodge has the 
right to adopt such law on the subject as may be deemed best. Those which 
have provided for sick benefits have adopted substantially the above provisions. 

5. Attention to sick and disabled members. Each member of the Lodge, 
previous to the stated meeting of the Lodge, shall be subject to the orders of 
the Master Workman in attending to sick or disabled members, and should any 
member fail or neglect to perform such duty, having been notified by the Master 
Workman, he shall, for each neglect or failure, be fined a sum not less than one 
dollar. 

Sub. L. Co)ist . , Art. X, § 12. 

6 . Note . — The above is applicable only to Subordinate Lodges under the im- 
mediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge. 

7. Fine fop neglect of duty to sick members. Any mem- 
ber failing to attend a sick or disabled member, when notified 
by the Master Workman to do so, shall be fined a sum not less 
than one dollar. 

Sub . L. Const., Art. X, § 12. 

8. Note. The above provision, although only applicable to Subordinate 
Lodges under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge, has been sub- 
stantially incorporated in the Subordinate Lodge constitutions in all the juris- 
dictions. 

9. A member over three months in arrears for weekly dues at the time of 
taking sick cannot be made beneficial during such sickness by the payment of 
his dues. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., T89. 

10. Not subject to payment of debt. Sick benefits as well as beneficiary 
funds in our Order should be ever sacred to the purpose for which they are pri- 


SICK BENEFITS. 


397 


marily intended and authorized by our law, and should be, in no event, subject 
to the payment of ordinary debts. 

Dec. G. M. JV., Minnesota, 1883. 

The foregoing decision arose out of the attempt by one brother to garnishee 
the sick benefits of another. 

Pro. G. L. Minn., 1883, p. 14. 

11. Illinois. In addition to the foregoing, Art. XII, § 2, Sub. L. Const., 
the Subordinate Lodge constitution of Illinois adds a section as follows : 

When a Master Workman of this jurisdiction, in good standing in his Lodge, 
shall become sick within the jurisdiction of another Lodge, it shall be the duty 
of the last mentioned Lodge to give said brother all necessary care and attention, 
and if it shall become necessary to hire watchers, the Lodge to which said brother 
belongs, on receipt of a certified statement of the account expended, shall pay 
the same to the Lodge making such expenditure; provided, that it shall be the 
duty of the Lodge furnishing such aid to at once notify the brother’s Lodge of 
such sickness, and in no case shall a Lodge be compelled to pay for watchers 
more than one week unless the Lodge of which the sick brother is a member 
authorizes the hiring of watchers for a longer time. 

12. A member three months in arrears for dues may pay up and become 
entitled to sick benefits. 

See § 2, Art. XI, Sub. L. Const., and § 1, Art. XII, Sub. L. Const. 

Otherwise, if in arrears six months. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1883, p. 489. 

Note. — The foregoing decision is not applicable to a member taken sick before 
the payment of arrearages. 

13. Illinois. Lodges are not compelled to provide for sick benefits; such a 
provision is optional with each Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1880, p. 168. 

14. Taking a clearance card from a Lodge does not affect a claim for 
sick benefits accrued before the card is asked for. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1880, p. 164. 

15. California. The Lodge may pay such weekly sick benefits as prescribed 
by its by-laws. 

Art. XIII, Const. Sub. L. Cal. 


• >■ ■ ' 






SICK BENEFITS. 


398 


Under our laws the entire question of weekly sick benefits is entirely under 
the control of the Subordinate Lodge, and there is no appeal to the Grand Mas- 
ter Workman or the Grand Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1883 , p. 13. 

1882,/. 126. 

1882, p. 106. 

1881,/. 24. 

See Medical Examination. 

16 Re-examination may be required by Lodges paying sick benefits, on 
deposit of card from the same jurisdiction. 

17. Where by-laws of a Lodge provide for the payment of sick benefits 
on the condition of six months’ membership, and a member after having been 
suspended for twelve months is reinstated, he is not entitled to sick benefits until 
six months after reinstatement. 

Pro. G. L. Ky ., 1879, p. 57. 

18. When quarterly dues are required to be paid in advance, a member is 
not entitled to benefits if in arrears three months and upward, whether he re- 
ceives notice or not. 

Pro. G. L. Ky ., 1879, p. 57. 

\ 

19. Member dying before payment of dues. Where a brother, entitled 
to sick benefits under the by-laws of his Lodge, dies before their payment, the 
Lodge cannot withhold payment of such benefits on the ground that the brother 
is only entitled to them while living. 

See Pro. G. L. Term ., 1880,/. 72. 

20. Sick benefits. Where the by-laws provided that if a 
member shall reside out of the city when making application 
for relief, he shall send a certificate from a physician particularly 
describing the nature and cause of his disease, etc., which shall 
be authenticated in the manner prescribed, and shall be made 
weekly thereafter and be presented to the society every four 
weeks, and shall be entitled to relief “on application to the 
stewards,” it was held , that such a member who neglected to 
make application for relief until after the lapse of seven weeks 
was entitled to relief only from the date of his application 
therefor, and not from the time such sickness or disability ac- 


SICK BENEFITS. 


399 


crued, although he was so injured as to be deprived of the 
power of applying, since he could make application through an- 
other. The object of these provisions is to prevent imposition 
on the society, either by feigned or trivial sickness, or by dis- 
abilities produced by causes not entitling the claimant to relief. 
For this purpose it is necessary that the society should have in- 
formation of the state of the applicant and have it in their 
power to visit him and inspect personally his situation and judge 
for themselves, or, where he is out of their bounds and cannot 
be visited, that they should be furnished with something equiv- 
alent. It is not to depend on evidence of previous sickness or 
disability, which would be of doubtful and hazardous character, 
in reference to periods of weeks past. 

Breneman vs. Franklin Benef. Soc., 3 Watts Serg., 218. 

21. Sick benefits. A by-law regulating the amount to be 
paid weekly to the sick is but a rule for the government of the 
officers in the administration of the society’s benefactions, and 
must necessarily be subject to amendment and alteration to 
conform to the fund set apart for that purpose. 

And a member can claim only such benefits as are prescribed 
by the by-laws existing at the time he applies for relief. There- 
fore, when the constitution provided that a sick member should 
receive such weekly sum as the existing by-laws direct, and the 
by-laws, as amended prior to plaintiff’s sickness, provided that 
no payments should be made until there is a certain sum in the 
treasury, plaintiff is bound thereby. 

St. Patrick’s Benef. Soc. vs. McVey, 92 Pa., 510. 

22. Provisions Of the constitution and by-laws of a benevo- 

lent society, allowing benefits “in case of sickness,” and provid- 
ing that “when any member * * * takes sick” he shall be 

entitled to such benefits “ if it be so that he is not able to attend 
to his daily labor,” do not extend to a case of a permanent 
bodily injury which does not affect the general health of the 
person injured, as, for instance, an injury to and crippling of 


400 


SELECT KNIGHTS. 


the leg, disabling him from performing the duties of the em- 
ployment in which he was engaged. 

Kelly vs. Ancient Order of Hibernians, 9 Daly , 289. 

SELECT KNIGHTS. 

At the Tenth Annual Session of the Supreme Lodge (1882) the following res- 
olution was adopted : 

“ Whereas, There has been instituted within the United States an organiza- 
tion known as the * Select Knights of the A. O. U. W. and, 

“ Whereas, None but Master Workmen in good standing in our Order are 
eligible to membership in said organization ; and, 

“ Whereas, Good standing in the 4 Select Knights of the A. O. U. W.’ is made 
contingent upon good standing as a Master Workman in our Order; and, 

“ Whereas, The said organization is a great help to us as an Order in induc- 
ing young men to join our Order ; therefore, be it 

“ Resolved , That this Supreme Lodge recognizes in the Select Knights of the 
A. O. U. W. an agency for good in our Order, and we wish for it continued 
prosperity.” 

Pro . Sup. L., 1882, p. 644. 

The organization referred to has now been instituted in the Province of On- 
tario as well as in a majority of the Grand Lodge jurisdictions of the United 
States. 

It is not a degree of the A. O. U. W. , but a separate and distinct organization, 
having no relation whatever to the Ancient Order of United Workmen except 
that, solely, which is derived from the fundamental and organic provision of its 
constitution, that no person is eligible to membership in it unless he be a Master 
Workman degree member of the A. O. U. W. , and from the law that good 
standing in the “ Select Knights ” is dependent not only upon compliance with 
the laws of that organization, but also upon the good standing of the member 
in his Subordinate Lodge of the A. O. U. W. 

At least one Grand Lodge, viz : that of Kansas, has adopted legislation neces- 
sary to carry the rule into better effect, by authorizing the Grand Recorder of 
the Grand Lodge to furnish his monthly report of all Master Workmen suspended, 
expelled, etc., to the Grand Legion of Select Knights of the A. O. U. W. of the 
State of Kansas. 


Pro. G. L. Kansas , 1882, p. 87. 


SIGNATURE. 


401 


Its various bodies are the “ Legion,” the “ Grand Legion,” and the “ Supreme 
Legion,” the last two of which are composed of representatives from the bodies 
next below each respectively, with officers, etc. 

Officers are named, and rank as follows : 

Past Commander, 

Commander. 

Vice Commander. 

Lieutenant Commander. 

Recorder. 

Treasurer. 

Standard Bearer. 

Senior Workman. 

Junior Workman. 

Guard. 

Trustees, (three in number.) 

The appointed officers are: 

Chaplain. 

Marshal. 

In the Grand and Supreme Legions the officers have the same titles as above, 
with the prefix “ Grand ” or “ Supreme ,” as the case may be. 

The Supreme Legion meets biennially, on the second Tuesday of October, in 
odd numbered years, at such place as is designated at the preceding meeting. 

Representatives of one-third of all the Grand Legions constitute a quorum. 

The Subordinate degrees of the Select Knights are those of “Minor" and 
“ Knight .” 

The emblem of the Select Minor degree is the Open Bible , alone or combined 
with either or both the Anchor and Shield. 

The emblem of the Select Knight degree is a Skeleton Hand , which may be 
combined with any or all of the above named emblems. 

The Supreme Legion, and also Grand Legions maintain separate beneficiary 
funds, controlled by distinct systems. 

Beneficiary rights and privileges are optional, that is to say, a member of the 
Select Knights is not compelled to be a beneficiary member, but being under 
fifty-one years of age and in sound bodily health, as shown by a medical exam- 
ination, he may be admitted to either or both the Grand or Supreme Legions 
beneficiary department. 


SIGNATURE. 


Must be made by applicant personally. 

See Application, par. 2. 3. 

26 



402 


STANDING COMMITTEES. 


SISTER GRAND LODGE. 

See Relief Law. 


SPECIAL MEETING. 

See Meeting. 

SPECIAL SESSION OF SUPREME LODGE. 

See Supreme Lodge. 

SPECIAL SESSION OF GRAND LODGE. 

See Grand Lodge. 

SPURIOUS LODGES. 

I. Any brother who shall be concerned in organizing, or who shall give 
countenance or support, or shall knowingly visit any Lodge purporting to be 
Ancient Order of United Workmen, and not possessing a legal, unreclaimed and 
valid charter, duly granted and presented or confirmed by the Supreme or a 
Grand Lodge, shall be deemed unworthy of fellowship, and such brother, upon 
satisfactory proof, shall be suspended or expelled at the option of the Lodge of 
which he is a member; and any brother so suspended shall not be reinstated 
unless the Supreme or Grand Lodge assents thereto. Nor shall any person who 
has knowingly been in membership in any spurious or illegal Lodge be received 
into any regular Lodge, without the consent of the Supreme or Grand Lodge. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 665. 

L of Cal., Art. I, § 3. 

By-Laws G. L. Ills., Art. II, § 4. 

STANDING COMMITTEES. 

1 . At each annual meeting the Supreme Master Workman shall appoint 
the following standing committees: 1. On Finance. 2. On Appeals and Griev- 
ances. 3. On Laws and Supervision. 4. On Returns. 

Sup. L. Const., Art. IV, § 3. 

2. The Committee on Finance and on Laws and Supervision shall be ap- 
pointed at the close of each annual meeting, to act until the close of the next 
annual meeting. 

Const., Art. IV, § 3. 


SUBORDINATE LODGES, THEIR POWERS, ETC. 


40B 


3. The standing committees appointed at the close of each annual meet- 
ing, viz: the Committee on Finance and the Committee on Laws and Super- 
vision, are required to meet at the place fixed for the annual meetings of the 
Supreme Lodge three days before the meeting, at which time there shall be 
placed in their hands all business requiring action, and their reports thereon 
shall be submitted to the Supreme Lodge on or before the second day of the 
meeting thereof. 

Pro. £>th Ann. Sess. S. L., p. 399. 

4. Note — The Committee on Appeals and Grievances, and that on Returns, 
are appointed at the beginning of each annual meeting, and act only during its 
continuance. 

5. A “standing committee,” called the Statistical Committee, and to con- 
sist of three members, was directed to be appointed at the 10th, nth and 12th 
annual sessions of the Supreme Lodge. 

See various titles of Committees, as follows: 

Committee on Law and Supervision. 

Finance Committee, Etc. 

STANDING RULES. 

See Rules. 

STATED MEETING. 

See Meeting, Etc. 

SUBORDINATE LODGES, THEIR POWERS, DUTIES, ETC. 

1. Name and style. This Lodge shall be known as 

Lodge, No. — , of the Ancient Order of United Work- 
men, of . It shall consist of not less than ten members, 

and shall possess the powers and privileges of a Subordinate 
Lodge within the jurisdiction of said Supreme Lodge. 

Sub. L. Const., Art. I, § 1. 

2. No Lodge named after living person. No Lodge hereafter named after 
a person living will be accepted by the Supreme Lodge. 

Pro. Sih Ann. Sess. S. L ., p. 303. 

3. Subordinate Lodges, name and style of. No Subordinate Lodge 
shall be named after any living person. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 331. 




404 


SUBORDINATE LODGES, THEIR POWERS, ETC. 


4. Number of members. It is clear that no Lodge can be formed in any 
jurisdiction with less than ten members, nor can a Lodge exist should its mem- 
bership be reduced below a quorum. 

When this occurs the provisions of Law 14 App. to G. L., become operative, 
and its charter is forfeited as therein provided. 


See Delinquent and Defunct Lodges. 




5. Minimum number of members. The Grand Lodge of Indiana having 
adopted a resolution to grant no charters to a less number than fifteen, the ac- 
tion was held by the S. M. W. to be in contravention of law {Pro. 5 th Ann . Sess. 
Sup. L., 1877, p. 255), and this view was sustained by the Supreme Lodge, the 
opinion being declared that it was not competent for a Grand Lodge to prescribe 
a larger number as necessary than that laid down in the Supreme Lodge con- 
stitution. 

Pro. S. L., iSj7,pp. 304, 305. 

But since the foregoing action, the Supreme Lodge has approved a G. L 
constitution covering such a provision; and it may be considered competent for 
a Grand Lodge to require a greater number than ten charter applicants, although 
less than that number is not permissible. 

6 . Membership, qualifications, etc., of. No person shall 
be admitted to membership in this Lodge unless he be a white 
male, of the full age of twenty-one, and under fifty years, of 
good moral character, able and competent to earn a livelihood 
for himself and family, and a believer in a Supreme Being, the 
Creator and Preserver of the Universe. 

Art. II, § 1, Sub. L. Const. 

7. As to membership, qualifications of, and admission to, 


See Application, Members, Etc. 


8. Rights and powers. A Subordinate Lodge cannot be independent of 
its Grand Lodge; but must be under its authority at all times. 

Dig., 1st Ed. , par. 348. 

9. No Subordinate Lodge can apply for or receive any corporate rights or 
privileges separate from the Grand Lodge, without permission from the Grand 
Lodge. — Ibid , par. 349. 


SUBORDINATE LODGES, THEIR POWERS, ETC. 


405 


10. Subordinate Lodges have full power to act for themselves, and con- 
trol their own affairs, provided they keep strictly within the constitution and 
laws of the Order, but their action in all cases is subject to appeal. 

Dig., ist Ed., par. 350. 

11. Disposal of Lodge funds, etc. The funds and properties of a Sub- 
ordinate Lodge shall only be used for charitable purposes and for the advance- 
ment of the interests of the Order. The donating, or in any manner dividing, 
them among members individually is a violation of the trust and of the law. 

Ibid , 351. 

See Moneys, how disposed of. 

General Fund. 

12. Reports. Each Subordinate Lodge shall make full re- 
port to the Supreme or Grand Recorder every thirty days, of 
all certificates suspended, annulled, withdrawn or renewed. 

Art. VIII, § 7, Sup. L. Const. 

13. Reports. The Recorder shall * * * make out the 

semi-annual report of the work and business of the Lodge for 
the Supreme Lodge, forward the same to the Supreme Recorder, 
properly signed and attested, with the seal of the Lodge at- 
tached. 

Art. X, § 5, Sub. L. Const. 

He shall, on or before the first day of each month, notify the 
Supreme Recorder of all rejections of candidates and expul- 
sions of members — of the suspending, annulling or canceling 
of beneficiary certificates, or reinstatement of the same, and of 
the date of countersigning and recording beneficiary certificates 
of members admitted during the preceding month; he shall 
conduct the correspondence and have charge of the seal and 
records of the Lodge; he shall notify all applicants who have 
been elected to membership, and shall notify the Supreme Re- 
corder of all transfers of membership into or out of the Lodge, 
and shall perform such other duties as are required of him in 
the article on beneficiary fund, and as are enjoined by the laws, 
rules, and regulations of the Order. 

Art. X, § 5, Const. Sub. L. 


406 


SUBORDINATE LODGES, THEIR POWERS, ETC. 


14. Note . — The above report is known as the “ Monthly Report.” In addi- 
tion to giving the rejections and expulsions during the month, it is a transcript 
of the entries in the Beneficiary Certificate Book, and shows the status of each 
member of the Lodge as to his beneficiary certificate at the time it is made, as 
well as all changes which have occurred during the month. All certificates is- 
sued during the month, with date of recording the same, and the suspending, 
canceling or transferring of certificates, must appear in the report, so that the 
record of each certificate will be as full and accurate in the office of the Supreme 
or Grand Recorder as in the Subordinate Lodge. 

Dig. 1st Ed. , par. 358. 

See title Recorder, Financier. 

15. The beneficiary return and the monthly report are entirely different 
and independent blanks, and the one is a check upon the other. Although a 
brother be reported upon a monthly report, in the month when there is no as- 
sessment. as suspended, that does not relieve the Financier from also reporting 
him as suspended on a beneficiary return blank. 

When a brother has been reported as suspended on a beneficiary return, he 
should not be again reported on a beneficiary return as suspended until he has 
been reinstated. 

Kansas Notes of Institution 33 and 34. 

16. The monthly reports required to be sent by Recorders to the Grand 
Recorder do not have to be submitted to the Lodge for adoption. 

Pro. G. L. Kansas, 1880 , p. 12. 

17. Returns and dues. At the close of each term the Lodge 
[Subordinate Lodge] shall report to the Supreme Lodge the 
number of initiations, and the names of the brothers admitted 
by card, suspended or expelled, and the cause thereof ; rejected 
and deceased; a list of all brothers relieved, with the amount 
appropriated for that purpose; the amount of receipts, specify- 
ing the fund; the total amount on hand and invested; and the 
result of the election of officers, according to the form furnished 
by the Supreme Lodge, which report shall be properly attested 
by the M. W. and Recorder, with the seal of the Lodge attached, 
and the order-for the tax be drawn and delivered to the install- 
ing officer previous to the installation. 

Art. XVI, § 1, Const. Sub. L. 


SUBORDINATE LODGES, THEIR POWERS, ETC. 407 


1 8. Note . — The provisions relating to monthly and semi-annual reports are 
especially applicable to Lodges under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme 
Lodge, but there are similar requirements in the Subordinate Lodge constitution 
in every jurisdiction, besides additional ones in several of the States. The 
above may therefore be regarded as of general application in substance. 

19. Subordinate Lodges, accounts with. 

See title Officers. 

Supreme Recorder, Etc. 

Art. VIII, §6, .S up . L Const. 

Pennsylvania. Where Lodges meet semi monthly their accounts must be 
audited, reports be sent to the Grand Recorder, and the per capita tax paid 
semi-annually. 

Pro. G. L. Pa ., 1883, p. 25. 

20. All business to be transacted in M. W. degree. All business in 
Subordinate Lodges is transacted, when open, in the Master Workman degree, 
except the conferring of the J. W. degree. 

21. Visiting*, right Of, Any Master Workman degree mem- 
ber in good standing shall have the right to visit any Subordi- 
nate Lodge, by proving himself in the semi-annual password 
and the unwritten work of the Order. 

Gen. Law , 37. 

See Visiting. 

22. A Lodge in session may go into Committee of the Whole, under parlia- 
mentary rules, which govern secret as well as public organizations. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1878 , p. 20. 

23. A Lodge can assess its members to pay its debts. 

Pro. G. L. III., i8 : 3, p. 488. 

24. Note. — Semi-annual terms of Subordinate Lodges. The semi-annual 
terms of Subordinate Lodges commence with the first regular meeting in January 
and July, and end with the last regular meeting in June and December, in all 
jurisdictions, except that of Pennsylvania, in which they commence in December 
and June, and end in May and November. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 347. 

Amendment of Subordinate Lodge constitution. 


See Amendment, par. 9. 


408 


SUPREME LODGE, 


25. As to stated or special meetings of the Subordinate Lodge. 

See Meetings. 

26. For the laws and decisions relating to other subjects connected with 
Subordinate Lodge. 

See various titles as Elections, Officers, Dues, Etc., Etc. 

SUCCESSION OF OFFICERS. 

See Officers. 

SUNDAY MEETINGS. 

1. Sunday meetings are unlawful. 

L. 33, of Gen. App. 

See Meetings. 

2. Trials are not to be held on Sunday. 

See Trials. 

SUPERVISION. 

See Committee of Supreme Lodge, par. 9. 

SUPPLIES. 

I. The supplies to be furnished a Subordinate Lodge at 
its institution shall be regulated by the body granting the 
charter; provided, in all cases, that the charter, ritualistic work, 
constitutions, blank books and forms necessary to properly con- 
duct the business of the Lodge shall be furnished at the pre- 
scribed fee. 

Law 10 of Gen. App . 

SUPPLIES AND PRINTING. 

See Committee on Finance. 

SUPREME LODGE. 

1. Name. This body shall be known by the name and style 
of the ‘‘Supreme Lodge of the Ancient Order of United 
Workmen.” 


Art. I, Sup. L. Const. 


SUPREME LODGE. 


409 


2. Of whom composed. The Supreme Lodge shall consist 
of the following officers: Past Supreme Master Workman, Su- 
preme Master Workman, Supreme Foreman, Supreme Overseer, 
Supreme Recorder, Supreme Receiver, Supreme Guide, Supreme 
Watchman, and three trustees. Also of the duly elected repre- 
sentatives of Grand Lodges under the jurisdiction of the Su- 
preme Lodge. 

3. All Past Supreme Master Workmen, other than the one 
in office as such, shall be entitled to all the rights of member- 
ship in the Supreme Lodge, except the right to vote, while they 
remain members of the Order in good standing. 

4. All Past Grand Master Workmen and Past Master Work- 
men, in good standing, who are members of a Grand Lodge, 
shall be admitted to seats in the Supreme Lodge as visitors. 

5. Any Past Grand Master Workman, in good standing, 
who is a member of a Grand Lodge, shall be eligible to any 
office in the Supreme Lodge. 

Art. II, § 1, Sup. L. Const. 

6 . Under Art. X, § 1, Sup. L. Const., the Supreme Lodge is required to elect 
a Supreme Medical Examiner at each annual session. 

See Medical Examiner. 

Past Supreme Master Workman. 

See title Past Supreme Master Workman. 

Compensation of officers of Supreme Lodge. 

See Mileage and Per Diem. 

7. Representatives to the Supreme Lodge. Three repre- 
sentatives to the Supreme Lodge shall be elected in accordance 
with the Supreme Lodge constitution, to serve until the next 
regular election; at which time, and at each succeeding regular 
election thereafter, representatives shall be elected to serve one 
year. Past Grand Master Workmen only are eligible to election 
as Supreme representatives. Grand Recorders, who have served 


410 


SUPREME LODGE, OFFICERS OF. 


as such for two consecutive years, shall be entitled to all the 
honors and prerogatives of Past Grand Master Workmen, pro- 
vided their respective Grand Lodges may have so determined 
by a two-thirds vote. 

L. 7, App. to G. L. 

8 . Each Grand Lodge shall be entitled to three representa- 
tives in the Supreme Lodge. 

Art. II, § 2, Sup. L. Const. 

g. Election of officers and terms of office. 

See Election, Supreme Lodge, par. i. 

10. Reports to be made before election of officers. 

See Election, Supreme Lodge, par. 2. 

11. Salaries to be fixed before election of officers. 

See Election, Supreme Lodge, par. 3. 

SUPREME LODGE, OFFICERS OF. 

1. The Supreme Lodge was organized February 11, 1873, by Representa- 
tives from the Grand Lodges of Pennsylvania, Ohio and Kentucky. 

2. The officers have been as follows up to and including those elected in 1884: 
Supreme Master Workman. 

1873 — W. W. Walker, Pennsylvania. 

1874 — R. D. Handy, Kentucky. 

1875 — J. M. McNair, Pennsylvania. 

1876 — C. Shryock, Kentucky. 

1877 — Samuel B. Myers, Pennsylvania. 

1878 — M. W. Sackett, Pennsylvania. 

1S79 — John Frizzell, Tennessee. 

1880 — Roderick Rose, Iowa. 

1881 — Wm. H. Baxter, Michigan 

1882 — Wm. H. Baxter, Michigan. 

1883 — M. W. Fish, California 

1884 — Leroy Andrus, New York. 

3. Supreme Foreman. 

1873 — John I. Becktol, Ohio. 

1874 — G. F. Cookerly, Indiana 


SUPREME LODGE, OFFICERS OF. 


1875 — S. F. Griffy, Indiana. 

1876 — O. J. Noble, Iowa. 

1877 — Thomas H. Curry, Ohio. 

1878 — Leroy Andrus, New York. 

1879 — Roderick Rose, Iowa. 

1880 — M. W. Fish, California 

1881 — M. W. Fish, California. 

1882 — M W. Fish, California. 

1883 — M. E. Beebe, New York. 

1884 — Wm. G. Morris, Illinois. 

4. Supreme Overseer. 

1873 — R* D. Handy, Kentucky. 

1874 — W. S. Black, Pennsylvania. 

1875 — S. B. Lowenstein, Ohio. 

1876 — Thomas H. Curry, Ohio. 

1877— Charles O. Thomas, Tennessee. 
1878 -William C. Richardson, Missouri. 

1879— M. W. Fish, California. 

1880 — Theodore A. Case, New York. 

1881 — Theodore A. Case, New York. 

1882 — Theodore A. Case, New York. 

1883 — Wm. G. Morris, Illinois. 

1884 — G. W. Badgerow, Ontario. 

5. Supreme Recorder. 

1873— J. B. Steves, Kentucky. 

1874 — William Martindale, Indiana. 

1 875 — J. B. Steves, Kentucky. 

1876 — Edwin Elmore, New York. 

1877 — Henry N. Berry, Iowa. 

187S — Henry N. Berry, Iowa. 

1879 — M. W. Sackett, Pennsylvania. 

1880 — M. W. Sackett, Pennsylvania. 

1881 — M. W. Sackett, Pennsylvania. 

1882 — M. W. Sackett, Pennsylvania. 

1883 — M. W. Sackett, Pennsylvania. 

1884 — M. W. Sackett, Pennsylvania. 

6. Supreme Receiver. 

1873 — M. W. Sackett, Pennsylvania. 

1874— L. C. Squires, New York. 


412 


SUPREME LODGE, OFFICERS OF. 


1875 — Benjamin Davis, Indiana 

1876 — Benjamin Davis, Indiana 
1877 — S. S. Davis, Ohio. 

1878 — S. S. Davis, Ohio. 

1879 — S. S. Davis, Ohio. 

1880— S. S. Davis, Ohio. 

1881 — S. S. Davis, Chio. 

1882 — S. S. Davis, Ohio. 

1883 — S. S. Davis, Ohio. 

1884 — S. S. Davis, Ohio. 

7. Supreme Guide. 

1873 — J. W. H. Searles, Kentucky. 

1874 — H. N. Berry, Iowa. 

1875 — E. Elmore, New York. 

1S76 — O. P Titcomb, Illinois. 

1877 — W. H. Caldwell, Illinois. 

1878 — O. P. Titcomb, Illinois. 

1879 — H. C. Heath, Wisconsin. 

1880 — Hugh Doherty, Massachusetts. 

1881 — R. H. Flanders, Georgia. 

1882 — R. H. Flanders, Georgia. 

1883 — J. H. Pressnell, Minnesota. 

1884 — G. R. Keller, Kentucky. 

8. Supreme Watchman. 

1873. — J. M. McNair, Pennsylvania 

1874 — S. B. Lowenstein, Ohio. 

1875— Lewis Koester, Ohio. 

1876 — A. J. Francis, Kentucky. 

1877 — A. J. Francis, Kentucky. 

1878 — H. C. Heath, Wisconsin. 

1879 — E. W. Boynton, Illinois. 

1880 — R. H. Flanders, Georgia. 

1881 — R. M. M. Patton, Ontario. 

1882 — R. M. M. Patton, Ontario. 

1883 — Wm. R. Graham, Iowa. 

1884 — Wm. R. Graham, Iowa. 

9. Supreme Trustees. 

1874 — J. M. McNair, Pennsylvania, 3 years. 
M. W. Sackett, Pennsylvania, 2 years. 


SUPREME LODGE, OFFICERS OF. 


413 


1874 — George Pitts, Kentucky, 1 year. 

1:875 — C. Shryock, Kentucky, 3 years. 

1876 — D. L. Stephenson, Iowa, 3 years. 

A. R. Link, Indiana, 2 years. 

1877 — Benjamin Davis, Indiana, 3 years. 

1878 — Monroe Sheire, Minnesota, 3 years. 

1879 — Leroy Andrus, New York, 3 years. 

1880 — Alex. McLean, Illinois, 3 years. 

1881 — John D. Vincil, Missouri, 3 years. 

1882 — Leroy Andrus, New York, 3 years. 

1883 — Samuel Eccles, Jr., Maryland. 

1884 — S. B. Berry, Ohio, to fill vacancy. 

John D. Vincil, Missouri, 3 years. 

10. Supreme Medical Examiner. 

1882 — Wm. C. Richardson, M. D., Missouri. 

1883 — Wm. C. Richardson, M. D., Missouri. 

1884 — Wm. C. Richardson, M. D., Missouri. 

11. Powers. The Supreme Lodge, when convened agreeably 
to the provisions of this constitution, has original and exclusive 
jurisdiction over all subjects pertaining to the welfare of the 
Order, and appellate jurisdiction from the decisions of Grand 
Lodges and of Subordinate Lodges under its immediate juris- 
diction ; and its enactments and decisions, upon all questions, 
are the supreme law of the Order. Under these restrictions, 
the Supreme Lodge may hear and determine all matters of con- 
troversy or grievance which may be brought before it by appeal 
or otherwise; issue charters to Grand Lodges and to Subordinate 
Lodges in territory not under the jurisdiction of a Grand Lodge; 
reprove and punish the misconduct of Grand Lodges and of 
Subordinate Lodges under the immediate jurisdiction of the 
Supreme Lodge; adopt laws and regulations of general appli- 
cation for the government of the Grand Lodges, and of the 
Subordinate Lodges under its immediate jurisdiction, and alter, 
amend, or abrogate the same; regulate and control the unwrit- 
ten work of the Order, which shall not be altered or amended 
except by a two-thirds vote of the representatives present at an 
annual meeting; establish, print and provide all charters, rituals 


414 


SUPREME LODGE, OFFICERS OF. 


of the Order, clearance, traveling and final cards; make such 
assessments for revenue as may be necessary to defray the ex- 
penses of the Supreme Lodge, and generally do all things right 
and proper for the promotion of the honor, dignity and welfare 
of the Order. 

Art. IV, § i, Sup. L. Const. 

12. Establishment of the Order in other countries. To the Supreme 
Lodge is reserved the power to establish the Ancient Order of United Workmen 
in States and Countries where the same does not exist. 

Pro. 3 d Ann. Sess . , S. L. p. 146. 

13. Regalia, etc. To the Supreme Lodge belongs the exclusive power 
to design and regulate all the regalia, tools, emblems, and other paraphernalia 
for the work of the Order.— Ib. , p. 147. 

14. Secret work. The Supreme Lodge has, and of right should have, ab- 
solute control over all the secret and ritualistic work of the Order. 

Pro. bth Ann. Sess. S. L., p. 367. 

15. To correct constitution. The Supreme Lodge has the power to cor- 
rect a Grand Lodge constitution submitted for its approval, so as to make it con- 
form to the constitution of the Supreme Lodge, and the laws of general appli- 
cation, regulations and decisions thereof. 

Pro. \th Ann. Sess. S. L., p. 204. 

16. Law-making power. The Supreme Lodge may adopt 
such regulations and general laws as may be deemed necessary 
for the welfare of the Order, not inconsistent with the provis- 
ions of the constitution, and alter, amend, or abrogate the 
same. 

Art. XIII, § 1, Sup. L. Const. 

17. Beneficiary certificates. The Supreme Lodge shall 
issue, or cause to be issued, all certificates of the beneficiary 
fund. 

Art. VIII, § 4, Sup. L. Const . 

18. The Supreme Lodge is the source of all true and legitimate authority 
in the Order. 


SUPREME LODGE, OFFICERS OF. 


415 


It has original and exclusive jurisdiction over all subjects pertaining to the 
welfare of the Order, and appellate jurisdiction from the decisions of Grand 
Lodges and of Subordinate Lodges under its immediate jurisdiction, subject to 
the provisions of its own constitution. 

Its enactments and decisions upon all questions are the supreme law of the 
Order. 

It may hear and determine all matters of controversy and grievance which 
may be brought before it by appeal or otherwise. 

It may issue charters to Grand Lodges and to Subordinate Lodges instituted 
in territory not under the jurisdiction of Grand Lodges. 

It may reprove and punish the misconduct of Grand Lodges and of Subor- 
dinate Lodges in territory not under the jurisdiction of Grand Lodges. 

It may adopt all laws and regulations of general application, whether it be for 
the government of Supreme, Grand or Subordinate Lodges, and it may alter, 
amend or abrogate the same. 

It may regulate and control the unwritten work of the Order, and provide for 
the emanation and distribution of all passwords. 

It may establish, print and provide all charters, rituals, clearance and final 
cards. 

It may prescribe the form, material and color of all regalia or badges used 
by the Order, or the members thereof. 

It may create, regulate and control the beneficiary system of the entire Order, 
including the right to prescribe therefor all the laws, rules and regulations neces- 
sary to carry the system into effect, and it may give to Grand Lodges power to 
modify such laws, rules and regulations as may be necessary to conform to the 
statute laws of the States in which said Grand Lodges are situated. 

It may prescribe the qualifications for membership and regulate the rights of 
members as between different jurisdictions. 

It may declare and define offenses against the general laws of the Order, and 
prescribe their punishment. 

It may establish, regulate, and control a fund, and enact laws relative thereto, 
by which and from which assistance may be rendered to any portion of the 
Order that may require it. 

It may require reports from Grand and Subordinate Lodges whenever it may 
deem such reports necessary. 

It may make such assessments for revenue as may be necessary to defray the 
expenses of the Supreme Lodge, and generally do all things right and proper for 
the promotion of the honor, dignity, and welfare of the Order. 

It has power to establish and maintain a fund from which the beneficiaries 
of deceased members may receive the sum of $2,000, through the medium of a 
fraternal society composed of Lodges, Supreme, Grand and Subordinate. 


416 


SUPREME LODGE, GENERAL POWERS OF. 


To provide methods whereby Grand and Subordinate Lodges may extend the 
benefits arising from, and carry into effect the purposes appropriate to, such a 
fraternal society, such as relief to sick and disabled members, assistance, pecun- 
iary or otherwise, to the destitute, the burying of the dead, etc. 

SUPREME LODGE, GENERAL POWERS OF. 

1. The constitution of the Supreme Lodge, laws applicable to Grand 
Lodges, and laws of general application, having been adopted by the Supreme 
Lodge in accordance with its powers as above enumerated, are of binding force 
on the entire Order, and can only be altered or amended by the Supreme Lodge, 
except that certain powers have been conferred on Grand Lodges by the pro- 
visions of Art. VI, Supreme Lodge constitution, under which they may modify 
the beneficiary article (subject to the revision and approval of the Supreme 
Lodge) in such manner as to make the management of their beneficiary affairs 
conform to the legislative enactments and judicial decisions of the respective 
jurisdictions. 

This subject will be found further considered under the title Grand Lodges, 
Powers of. 

All Grand Lodges (those set apart as separate jurisdictions, as well as those 
under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge) having been granted 
power to issue beneficiary certificates, subject to the same laws, rules and regu- 
lations as those prescribed for the government of Subordinate Lodges under the 
immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge, it follows that the provisions of 
Article VIII, of the Supreme Lodge constitution, and all other laws, rules and 
regulations of the Supreme Lodge in regard to the beneficiary fund, are of bind- 
ing force in every jurisdiction throughout the Order. They can be modified 
only to adapt them to Grand Jurisdictions, but cannot be altered, repealed, or 
amended except by the Supreme Lodge. In this view, the following laws are 
general, and cannot be altered or amended by Grand Lodges, except as above 
stated : 

ist. The Beneficiary Laws, Rules and Regulations. 

2d. Laws Applicable to Grand Lodges. 

3d. Laws of General Application. 

2. Meetings of Supreme Lodge. The Supreme Lodge shall meet 
annually, on the first Tuesday in June, at such place as may be designated at 
the preceding annual meeting ; provided , the time may be otherwise fixed by 
resolution passed at the preceding annual meeting. 

Art. Ill, § 1, Sup. L . Const. 

3. Should unavoidable circumstances arise, which, in the opinion of 
the Supreme Master Workman and of a majority of the officers of the Supreme 


SUPREME MASTER WORKMAN, DUTIES, ETC. 


417 


Lodge, would prevent a majority of the members from attending an annual 
meeting, he may postpone the same until such attendance can be had (not to 
exceed three months), due notice thereof being given to the members. 

4* Special meetings of the Supreme Lodge shall be called by the Supreme 
Master Workman, when requested so to do by a majority of the Representatives 
from one-third of the Grand Lodges. 

Art. Ill, § 2, Sup. L. Const. 

5. No business shall be transacted in the Supreme Lodge except the 
admission of members, and adjourning from time to time, unless there be 
present one or more of the Representatives from a majority of the Grand Lodges 
entitled to representation therein. 

Art. Ill, §. 3, Sup. L . Const. 

6. Supreme Lodge Rules. 

See Rules of Order Supreme Lodge. 

SUPREME MASTER WORKMAN, DUTIES AND POWERS OF. 

I. Duties Of Officers. It shall be the duty of the Supreme 
Master Workman, and he has the power to preside in the Su- 
preme Lodge, to exercise and discharge the executive functions 
of the Supreme Lodge when it is not in session ; to convene 
any Subordinate Lodge under the immediate jurisdiction of the 
Supreme Lodge; to preside therein ; to inspect their proceed- 
ings, and require their conformity to the rules and regulations 
of the Order; to require the attendance of, and information 
from, any officer of the Supreme Lodge respecting his office, 
and, for cause, to suspend such officer and appoint another in 
his stead to act until the next meeting of the Supreme Lodge ; 
to grant dispensations for the formation of Grand Lodges, and 
charters for the organization of Subordinate Lodges, to be under 
the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge in States and 
Territories where no Grand Lodge exists. He shall immedi- 
ately notify the Supreme Recorder of the granting of such dis- 
pensations. He may appoint such Deputies as may be necessary 
for the promotion of the interests of the Order, and in such 
case, shall require from each a bond with approved sureties, in 
27 


418 


SUPREME MASTER WORKMAN, DUTIES, ETC. 


such penalty as he may determine, and revoke such appoint- 
ments at pleasure. At the annual meeting of the Supreme 
Lodge he shall present a report, in detail, of his acts during the 
recess. He shall establish a password, semi-annually, which 
shall be the same throughout the Order. He shall examine 
and act upon all appeals submitted to him, first referring them 
to the Standing Committee on Appeals and Grievances, when 
in his opinion it is proper to do so. He shall, with the Supreme 
Foreman and Supreme Overseer, accept and approve all official 
bonds required of the officers of the Supreme Lodge. He shall 
sign all official documents emanating from the Supreme Lodge, 
and perform such other duties as may be required of him by 
the Supreme Lodge. 

Art. V, § i. Sup. L. Const. 

2. It is his duty to draw orders on the Supreme Receiver for the payment 
of money. 

See Moneys, how paid out. 

3. It is the duty of the Supreme Master Workman to sus- 
pend the charter of a Subordinate Lodge under the jurisdiction 
of the Supreme Lodge, when all its members’ Beneficiary Cer- 
tificates shall have remained suspended three months. 

Art. VIII, § 2, Sup. L. Const. 

4. Powers. It is not in the province of a Supreme Master Workman to 
perform any act of legislation, but he must confine himself to discharge the 
executive functions of the Supreme Lodge when it is not in session. 

Art. V, § 1, Sup. L. Const. 

Sup. M. W. Report, Jour. 1882, p. 448. 

See Decision Deputy Supreme Master Workman. 

5. The Supreme Master Workman is ex-officio a member of the Relief 
Board. 

See Relief Board. 

6. Compensation of Supreme Master Workman for instituting Grand 
Lodge shall be paid by the Supreme Lodge as follows : 


SUPREME FOREMAN, DUTIES OF. 


419 


His actual necessary expenses, if the distance does not exceed five hundred 
miles from his place of residence. 

Pro . S. Z., 3 d Ann. Sess., 1875, p. 132. 

See Deputy Sup. M. Workman. 

7. Formation of Grand Lodge. The Supreme Master 
Workman shall install, or cause to be installed, the officers elect 
of a new Grand Lodge, and forward, or cause to be forwarded, 
to the Supreme Recorder a notice of the organization, and a 
list of the officers. 

Z. 8, App. to G. Z. 

8 . Executive authority during recess. The Supreme Master Workman 
being required “to execute and discharge the executive functions of the Supreme 
Lodge when it is not in session,” it is his duty to exercise supervision over 
Grand Lodges, and to require compliance with the laws, rules and regulations of 
the Supreme Lodge. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 31. 

9. Successors to. In case of the death, resignation, absence 
or inability to act, of the Supreme Master Workman, or of a 
vacancy in his office, the Supreme Foreman, the Supreme Over- 
seer and the acting Past Supreme Master Workman shall, in 
succession, succeed to his prerogatives and duties for all pur- 
poses, and these officers shall perform such other duties as may 
from time to time be required of them by the Supreme Lodge. 
In the absence of all of these officers, the oldest Past Officer 
of the Supreme Lodge present, according to rank, shall preside 
at all meetings. 

Art. V, § 2, Sup. L. Const. 

SUPREME FOREMAN, DUTIES OF. 

I. The Supreme Foreman is required to perform such 
duties as are appropriate to his station, and as may from time to 
time be required of him by the Supreme Lodge. In case of the 
death, resignation, absence or inability to act, of the Supreme 
Master Workman, or of a vacancy in his office, the Supreme 


420 


SUPREME RECORDER, DUTIES OF. 


Foreman shall succeed to his prerogatives and duties for all 
purposes. 

Art. V, §§ 2 and 4, Const. 

2. It is the duty of the Supreme Foreman to act with the 
Supreme Master Workman and Supreme Overseer in the accept- 
ance and approval of all official bonds required of the officers of 
the Supreme Lodge. 

Art. V, § 1, Const. 

SUPREME GUIDE. 

See Guide. 

SUPREME OVERSEER, DUTIES OF. 

1. The Supreme Overseer is required to perform such 
duties as are appropriate to his station, and as may, from time 
to time, be required of him by the Supreme Lodge. In case of 
the death, resignation, absence or inability to act, of the Su- 
preme Master Workman, of a vacancy in his office, and of the 
death or absence of the Supreme Foreman, or his inability to 
perform the duties of said office, the Supreme Overseer shall 
succeed to the prerogatives and duties of the Supreme Master 
Workman for all purposes. 

Art. V, §§ 2 and 4, Const. 

2. It is the duty of the Supreme Overseer to act with the 
Supreme Master Workman and Supreme Foreman in accepting 
and approving all official bonds required of the officers of the 
Supreme Lodge. 

Art. V, § 1, Const. 

SUPREME RECORDER, DUTIES OF. 

I. It shall be the duty of the Supreme Recorder to record 
the transactions of the Supreme Lodge ; to receive, duly file, 
and safely keep all papers and documents of the Supreme 
Lodge ; to prepare, sign and certify all charters, dispensations 
and other instruments emanating from the Supreme Lodge, and 


SUPREME RECORDER, DUTIES OF. 


421 


when necessary, affix the seal of the Supreme Lodge thereto ; 
to keep an accurate account of all moneys received and paid 
out by himself, and of all drafts or warrants drawn on the Su- 
preme Receiver, and to report the same to the Supreme Lodge 
annually, by items; also, the Lodges that have neglected to 
render proper returns and are in arrears, and such general in- 
formation as to the state of the Lodges and of the Order as 
may be proper for the information or action of the Supreme 
Lodge; to conduct the correspondence of the Supreme Lodge; 
to attend, with all books and papers under his control, on all 
meetings of the Supreme Lodge, and perform such other duties 
as may from time to time be required by the Supreme Lodge. 
He shall, when required so to do by the Supreme Lodge, exe- 
cute a bond in such penalty as may be fixed by it, for the faith- 
ful discharge of the duties of his office. 

Art. V, § 3, Sup. L. Const. 

2. The Supreme Recorder shall, at the opening of the Su- 
preme Lodge, prepare a roll of the members and affix the num- 
ber of votes to which each is entitled. 

Art. IV, § 2, Sup. L. Const. 

See Voting. 

3. The Supreme Recorder shall report at each annual session an inven- 
tory of supplies on hand, with their cost price. 

Pro. *]th Ann. Sess. Sup. L. 1879, p. 12b. 

4. To receive the reports of Subordinate Lodges required 
to be made every thirty days. 

Art. VIII, § 7, Sup. L. Const. 

5. To send notice of assessment and receive beneficiary 
funds forwarded. 

Art. VIII, § 8, Sup. L. Const. 

6. To notify a second time any Lodges failing to make 
returns. — Ibid. 


422 


SUPREME RECORDER, DUTIES OF. 


7. To receive beneficiary money as mentioned above, and 
to place the fifty cents accompanying the payment of an assess- 
ment in the General Fund. 

Art. VIII, § 15, Sup. L. Const. 

8. Death List. The Supreme Recorder is required to keep a book in which 
shall be entered, with appropriate index, all deaths in his jurisdiction. 

Pro. /\th Ann. Sess. S. L , p. 202. 

9. The Supreme Recorder’s annual report, closing March 1st, shall be 
printed and ready for distribution to the Supreme Lodge on the first day of each 
annual session. 

Pro. *]th Ann. Sess. S. Z., p. 56. 

10. Payment of per capita tax is made to the Supreme Recorder. 

See Per Capita Tax. 

11. Delinquent and defunct Lodges. The duties of Supreme Recorder, 
with reference to members of defunct and delinquent Lodges, are prescribed by 
Law 36 of Gen. App. 

See Delinquent and Defunct Lodges. 

12. Returns. Besides the returns required to be made to him under Law 
32 of General Application, by all Grand Lodges, other returns are made by 
Subordinate Lodges by virtue of Art. X, § 5, constitution of Subordinate Lodges 
under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge. 

13. The Supreme Recorder shall pay over to the Supreme Receiver all 
moneys belonging to the General Fund, whenever the sum in his hands shall 
reach fifty dollars. 

Pro. 3 d Ann. Sess. S. Z., p. 87. 

14. The register of expelled members is compiled from returns made to 
him under Law 32 of General Application 

See Register of Expelled Members. 

15. Where an order of expulsion has been reversed by the Supreme 
Lodge on appeal it is the duty of the Supreme Recorder to notify the Grand Re- 
corder of the jurisdiction from which the appeal was taken of the facts required 
by Art. XII, Supreme Lodge Constitution. 


See Appeal. 


SUPREME RECORDER, DUTIES OF. 


423 


16. Additional duties of Supreme Recorder. It will be seen that the 
duties of the Supreme Recorder are regulated by provisions scattered through 
various laws. 

The titles Assessments, Suspensions, Reinstatements, Etc., Etc., 
should be carefully examined in order to ascertain from these multifarious sources 
all the laws defining his duties. 

17. In connection with Subordinate Lodges the duties of Supreme Re- 
corder and Grand Recorders of separate beneficiary jurisdictions are the same, 
except only as the duties of the latter are modified by the various Grand Lodges. 

18. It shall be the duty Of the Supreme Recorder to keep 
a separate and distinct account with each Subordinate Lodge 
in his jurisdiction, showing a full register of each certifi- 
cate issued, and to whom, in said Lodge, and from the monthly 
reports of the Subordinate Lodges he shall keep a full record 
of the status of all certificates so issued. 

Art. VIII, § 6, Sup. L. Const. 

19. Note. — The record to be kept by the Supreme Recorder and Grand Re- 
corders should contain all the items on the beneficiary certificate register-book 
of each Lodge, as given by the Recorder in his monthly reports, thus showing 
at all times what certificates are in force, and what amount the Lodge should 
collect on each assessment. 

Dig., 1st Ed ., par. 225. 

20. It shall be the duty Of the Supreme Recorder, in the 
reports required of him each month, in addition to the receipts 
and disbursements of beneficiary funds of the Supreme Lodge, 
to include by States the amounts disbursed by separate jurisdic- 
tions; also the names of all expelled members as reported; and 
he shall send a sufficient number of copies to each separate ju- 
risdiction to supply each Subordinate Lodge thereof with one 
copy. 

Art. VIII, § 19, Sup. L. Const. 

21. Organization of new Lodges. When a new Grand Lodge is about to 
be organized, it is the duty of the Supreme Recorder, on the direction of the Su- 
preme Master Workman, to notify Subordinate Lodges to elect representatives 
to take part in forming the new Grand Lodge. 

L. 3, App. to G. L. 

See Grand Lodges, how formed.. 


424 


SUPREME RECORDER, DUTIES OF. 


22. Immediately upon the formation of a Grand Lodge, 
the Supreme Recorder shall make out and deliver to the 
Grand Recorder a full register, by Lodges, of all M. W. degree 
members under such Grand Lodge, showing the number in 
good standing as well as those suspended in each Subordinate 
Lodge. He shall transfer to the Grand Recorder the medical 
examiner’s reports and the applications upon which beneficiary 
certificates were issued. He shall also make out a full record 
of the officers of each Subordinate Lodge, and the amount of 
beneficiary fund received and disbursed by each Subordinate 
Lodge prior to such date. 

Art. VII, § 2, Sup. L. Const. 

23. Business with Grand Recorders. As to the transaction of business 
between G. R. and the Supreme Recorder, see Art. VII, § 3, Sup. L. Const. 

24. The Supreme Recorder shall, upon receipt of official 
notice of death, issue assessment notices to Grand Lodges in 
like manner and form as to Subordinate Lodges under the im- 
mediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge. He shall adjust all 
losses, and in settlement thereof shall draw an order on the Su- 
preme Receiver payable to the party entitled, and forward the 
same to the Recorder of the Subordinate Lodge of which the 
deceased was a member. He shall publish on or before the first 
day of each month a full statement, by Lodges, of all beneficiary 
funds received from each Grand Lodge, and forward to each 
Grand Recorder sufficient number to send each Subordinate 
Lodge in bis jurisdiction one copy. The correctness of such 
statement shall be attested by the Supreme Lodge Finance 
Committee. 

Art. VII, § 4, Sup. L. Const. 

25. It is the duty of the Supreme Recorder to make record 
of the beneficiary fund disbursed in each separate beneficiary 
jurisdiction, as reported by the Grand Recorder. 


Art. VI, § 4, Sup. L. Const. 


SUPREME RECORDER, DUTIES OF. 


425 


26. Duties under relief law. The Supreme Recorder is ex-officio a mem- 
ber of the relief board. 

Art. IX, § 4, Sup. L . Const. 

See Relief Law. 

27. And he is required to include in his monthly statements 
(Art. VII, § 4, and Art. VIII, § 16) correct accounts of the trans- 
actions of such relief board. 

Ait. IX, § 7, Sup. L. Const. 


28. No Order shall be made by the Supreme Recorder upon 
the beneficiary fund in the Subordinate Lodge until there is less 
than two thousand dollars in the beneficiary fund in the Su- 
preme Lodge, nor shall any such order be made except with the 
approval of the Supreme Lodge Finance Committee. All 
moneys paid into the beneficiary fund of the Supreme Lodge 
by Subordinate Lodges shall be forwarded to the Supreme Re- 
corder by draft, payable to the Supreme Receiver, or otherwise, 
As said Lodge may determine, and shall be immediately turned 
over to the Supreme Receiver, who shall, in all cases, receipt 
therefor through the Supreme Recorder, who shall keep an ac- 
curate account thereof. Upon the receipt of the official notice 
of the death of a member entitled to the beneficiary fund, the 
Supreme Recorder shall promptly adjust the loss, and in settle- 
ment thereof shall draw an order on the Supreme Receiver, pay- 
able to the party or parties entitled, and forward the same to 
the Recorder of the Subordinate Lodge of which the deceased 
was a member; and said Lodge shall see that the same is prop- 
erly endorsed, and that the beneficiary certificate held by the 
deceased is properly receipted, and shall take up and forward it 
at once to the Supreme Recorder, who shall cancel and file the 
same. 

The Supreme Recorder shall, on or before the first day of 
each month, make full statement of all receipts and disburse- 
ments of beneficiary fund, the correctness of which statement 


426 


SUPREME RECEIVER, DUTIES OF. 


shall be attested by the Supreme Lodge Finance Committee, 
and the same sent to each Subordinate Lodge. 

Art. VII, § 16, Sup. L. Const. 

29. The Supreme Recorder is required to keep an accurate account of the 
beneficiary fund, which fund shall be immediately turned over by him to the 
Supreme Receiver, and the Supreme Recorder is the medium through which the 
Supreme Receiver receipts for the same to the Subordinate Lodges. 

30. Adjustment of beneficiary losses. It is the duty of the Supreme Re- 
corder to adjust the beneficiary losses of his jurisdiction in case of the death of 
a member; and to draw an order for the beneficiary amount, payable to the 
party or parties entitled, and forward the same to the Recorder of the Subordi- 
nate Lodge of which the deceased was a member. 

31. When a member dies, the Supreme Recorder shall cancel and file the 
beneficiary certificate held by the deceased upon its receipt. 

32. Where a change Of beneficiary certificate is made it is 
his duty to file the old one if practicable, to issue a new one, 
numbering it the same as the old one was numbered. 

Art. VIII, § 17, Sup. L. Const. 

33. His duty with respect to cancellation and filing is the same in case 
of the surrender of a certificate on taking a final card, or on the deposit of a 
clearance card in another beneficiary jurisdiction. 

SUPREME RECEIVER, DUTIES OF. 

I. It shall be the duty Of the Supreme Receiver to take 
charge of the funds and property of the Supreme Lodge not 
otherwise disposed of ; pay all orders drawn on him by the Su- 
preme Master Workman, attested by the Supreme Recorder, 
with the seal of the Supreme Lodge attached, for appropriations 
made by the Supreme Lodge; to render in writing to the Su- 
preme Lodge at each annual meeting, and oftener if required 
by the Supreme Lodge or Supreme Master Workman, a true 
and perfect account of his receipts and expenditures, by items, 
and from whom received and to whom paid, and the amount of 
funds and property in his hands, and, when required by the 
Supreme Lodge or the Supreme Master Workman, to deliver to 


SUPREME RECEIVER, DUTIES OF. 


427 


the Finance Committee, for examination, the books and vouch- 
ers pertaining to his office. He shall execute a receipt for all 
moneys coming into his hands, stating therein on what account 
the same is received, and he shall, in all cases, cause said receipt 
to be countersigned by the Supreme Recorder. He shall, before 
entering upon the discharge of his duty, execute and file with 
the Supreme Master Workman an official bond, in such penalty 
as may be fixed from time to time by the Supreme Lodge, pay- 
able to the Supreme Master Workman and his successors in 
office, with two or more sufficient sureties, to be approved by 
the Supreme Master Workman, Supreme Foreman and Supreme 
Overseer, conditioned that he will pay or deliver on demand 
to the Supreme Lodge, or the Supreme Master Workman of the 
Supreme Lodge, or to his successor in office, or properly account 
for all funds and property of the Supreme Lodge, or on any 
other account that shall come to his hands as Supreme Receiver, 
and shall in all respects faithfully discharge the duties devolv- 
ing upon him as Supreme Receiver, under the constitution and 
rules and regulations of the Supreme Lodge; and should the 
Supreme Receiver fail or refuse for twenty days after his elec- 
tion to execute and have approved the bond herein required, 
it shall be the duty of the Supreme Master Workman, with the 
approval of the Supreme Foreman and Supreme Overseer, to 
appoint another Supreme Receiver, who shall execute a bond 
as herein required, and enter upon the discharge of the duties 
of the position. The Supreme Receiver shall perform such 
other duties as may from time to time be required of him by 
the Supreme Lodge. 

Art. V, § 4, Sup. L. Const. 

2. All moneys paid by the Supreme Lodge shall be paid through the 
Supreme Receiver. 

Pro. Ofth Ann . Sess, Sup. L., p. 202. 

3. The Supreme Receiver shall pay moneys out of the general fund only 
upon orders drawn on him by the Supreme Master Workman, countersigned by 
the Supreme Recorder, and under seal of the Supreme Lodge. 


428 


SUPREME LODGE, INCORPORATION OF. 


SUPREME TRUSTEES, ETC. 

1. The Trustees, Guide and Watchman of the Supreme 
Lodge shall perform such duties as are appropriate to their 
respective stations, and as may from time to time be required 
by the Supreme Lodge. 

Art. V, § 5, Sup. L. Const. 

2. The duties of the above officers are not otherwise specified in the 
constitution. 

See titles of Various Officers. 

3. Of the trustees, the oldest in office ranks first and acts as chairman of 
the Board of Trustees. 

4. Rank of Officers. The officers of the Supreme Lodge are as follows, 
and rank in the order named : 1. Past Supreme Master Workman ; 2. ' Supreme 
Master Workman ; 3. Supreme Foreman ; 4. Supreme Overseer ; 5. Supreme 
Recorder ; 6. Supreme Receiver ; 7. Supreme Guide ; 8. Supreme Watchman ; 
q. three Trustees. 

Dig., 1 st Ed ., par. 19. 

SUPREME MEDICAL EXAMINER. 

1. In 1880, the Supreme Lodge adopted Art. X. of its Constitution, which 
provides for the election annually of a Supreme Medical Examiner. 

SUPREME LODGE, INCORPORATION OF. 

An Act to incorporate the Grand Lodge of the A. O. U. W. of Ken- 
tucky, and of the Supreme Lodge. 

Whereas, Certain persons, citizens of Kentucky, are desirous of forming a 
corporation to promote and advance scientific and mechanical pursuits in said 
State and elsewhere, Therefore be it enacted by the General Assembly of the 
Commonwealth of Kentucky : 

Section i. That R. D. Handy, J. W. H. Searls, A. J. Francis, C. Shryock, 
George Pitts, W. H. Turner, J. B. Taylor, Frank McDonald, J. W. Crutcher, 
and their successors, be and they are hereby created a body politic and corporate 
by the name, style, and title of “ The Grand Lodge of the Ancient Order of 
United Workmen, of Kentucky,” and by such name and title shall have perpet- 
ual succession, and be capable in law of suing and being sued, pleading and 
being impleaded, and of purchasing, holding, granting, and receiving, in its cor- 


SUPREME LODGE, INCORPORATION OF. 


429 


porate name, property — real, personal, and mixed — and of instituting such 
Subordinate Lodges as it may see fit, under such rules, by-laws, and regulations 
as the corporation may establish, not in conflict with the constitution and laws 
of the Commonwealth, or of the United States. 

Sec. 2. The object of the corporation shall be to improve the moral, mental, 
and social condition of the members of the Lodges under its jurisdiction, and to 
prevent strikes among all classes, by exhausting all honorable means in its 
power for such an end. 

Sec. 3. The said corporation shall have a common seal for the making and 
delivering of all legal acts and proceedings, and the same to break or alter at 
pleasure. 

Sec. 4. It shall be lawful for the corporation to create, hold, manage, and 
disburse a beneficiary fund for the relief of the members and their families, of 
the Lodges established by this corporation, or of sister Lodges established by 
other Grand Lodges, working under and subordinate to a Supreme Lodge, under 
such regulations as may be adopted by the corporation or by the Supreme 
Lodge. 

Sec. 5. Such beneficiary fund as the corporation may deem suitable and 
proper may be set apart and provided to be paid over to the families of deceased 
members, or the heirs of such deceased members, or to such persons as such 
deceased members may whilst living direct; the collecting, management, and 
disbursement of the same, as well as the person or persons to whom the same 
shall be paid, on the death of a deceased member, shall be controlled and regu- 
lated by the rules and by-laws of the corporation; and any such fund so provided 
and set apart, shall be exempt from execution, and shall under no circumstances 
be liable to be seized, taken, or appropriated by any legal or equitable process 
to pay any debt of such deceased member. 

Sec. 6. The said corporation may make and constitute for the same such 
officers as it may deem necessary and proper, whose term of office shall expire 
on the second Tuesday in January of each and every year, or when their suc- 
cessors are elected, qualified, and installed in office. 

Sec. 7. A Supreme Lodge may be established by this Grand Lodge in con- 
junction with other Grand Lodges; and when so established, the officers thereof 
and their successors in perpetuity shall become a body politic and corporate, 
under the name and style of “The Supreme Lodge of the Ancient Order of 
United Workmen of the United States,” and on accepting this charter shall be 
entitled to all the rights, privileges, and immunities herein contained, with power 
to establish other Grand Lodges within the United States with like powers, 
privileges, and immunities, but subordinate to said Supreme Lodge. 

Sec. 8 . The said Grand Lodge, or any of its subordinates, may, for enabling 
them to build any building in which they shall have a hall for the use of their 


430 


SUSPENSION FROM THE ORDER. 


Lodge, issue their bonds, not to exceed five thousand ($5,000) dollars, and bear- 
ing interest not to exceed eight per cent per annum ; they may also issue their 
bonds, not to exceed two thousand ($2,000) dollars, for the purpose of tempo- 
rarily relieving them in raising money to pay the insurance on their deceased 
members; but at no time shall any Lodge then incur an indebtedness to exceed 
seven hundred ($700) dollars. 

Sec. q. This act shall take effect from and after its passage. 

James B. McCreary, 

Speaker of the House of Representatives. 

G. A. C. Holt, pro tem ., 

Speaker of the Senate. 

Approved, nth February, 1873. 

P. H. LESLIE, Governor . 

1. Acceptance of incorporation. 

Whereas, The Legislature of Kentucky, by an act passed and approved 
the eleventh day of February, 1873, incorporated the Grand Lodge of the An- 
cient Order of United Workmen, of Kentucky; and 

Whereas, By said act, it was further provided that said act should extend to 
and embrace the Supreme Lodge of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and 
that said Supreme Lodge should be incorporated thereby upon their acceptation 
of said act; therefore, be it 

Resolved , That this Supreme Lodge of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, 
now in session at the lodge-room of Boone Lodge, No. 1, of Kentucky, Ancient 
Order of United Workmen, do hereby approve of and accept said act of incor- 
poration, and direct the Supreme Recorder of the Supreme Lodge, Ancient 
Order of United Workmen, to spread this resolution upon the minutes of said 
Lodge, this fifteenth day of February, 1873. 

Pro. 1st Ann. Sess. S. L. p. 16; 2 d Ann. Sess. p. 19; Adopted March 
18, 1874. 

SURRENDER OF CHARTER. 

See Charter, Surrender of. 

Law 34, of Gen. App. 

SUSPENSION FROM THE ORDER. 

1. Preliminary Note. There are four kinds of disqualification or suspen- 
sion of membership under the laws of the Order, which may be defined as fol- 
lows: 

1st. Disqualification for non-payment of dues. When a brother is three 
months in arrears for dues he forfeits the rights of voting and of holding 


SUSPENSION FROM THE ORDER. 


431 


office, but his rights under his beneficiary certificate are not affected. He is not 
declared supended, and no record is made of the matter. He is not a “ suspended 
member” under the laws of the Order, but is simply disqualified in respect to 
the privileges above named. At any time before he becomes in arrears for six 
months (in some jurisdictions one year) he may regain these forfeited privileges 
by paying up his arrearages of dues. This disqualification must not be con- 
founded with suspension from the Order, which is treated of in this chapter. 

2d. Temporary suspension of beneficiary certificate. This may again be 
subdivided into class a , when a brother fails to pay an assessment for the bene- 
ficiary fund on or before the 28th day of the month in which notice of the same 
was issued. It does not affect the brother’s right of voting or holding office, but, 
until removed, deprives him of all rights or benefits under his beneficiary 
certificate. This disqualification may be removed at any time before he becomes 
in arrears for three months, by complying with the provisions of Sec. 10 of 
beneficiary article, b„ If not removed within three months, the brother can then 
only be reinstated by compliance with the provisions of Sec. 11 of beneficiary 
article. This reinstatement must take place before he is in arrears for six 
months’ assessments. For laws and decisions relative to this kind of suspension, 
see title Beneficiary Certificates. If a brother is not reinstated within the 
prescribed time, then he becomes suspended from the Order. 

3d. Suspension from the Order for non-payment of dues or assessments. 
This suspension takes place when a brother is in arrears for assessments for the 
beneficiary fund for a period of six months, or for dues for the same period, or 
for such time as Grand Lodges may prescribe. It works an entire forfeiture of 
all claims under the beneficiary certificate, and deprives the suspended brother 
of all rights and privileges as a member of the Order. 

4th. Indefinite suspension under the penal laws of the Order. This suspen 
sion has the same effect as that mentioned in the preceding paragraph, in depriv- 
ing a brother of all rights and benefits in the Order, but reinstatement is made 
more difficult. A member indefinitely suspended is virtually expelled from the 
Order, and can only be restored to membership by permission of the Supreme or 
Grand Lodge. (See General Law 27 ) 

[The laws and decisions relating to the latter two kinds of suspension will be 
found in this title.] 

2. Suspension from the Order for non-payment of assess- 
ments. Any member in arrears on beneficiary assessments for 
the period of six months shall stand suspended from all bene- 
fits and privileges in the Order. His beneficiary certificate shall 
be reported to the Supreme Recorder (or Grand Recorder) as 
annulled, and he shall not be admitted to membership, except 


432 


SUSPENSION FROM THE ORDER 


as provided in Sec. 13 of Art. VIII, of the Supreme Lodge con- 
stitution. 

Sup. L. Const., Art. VIII., §12. 

3. Note. — The above provision is binding in all jurisdictions. By the 
operation of the law a brother six months in arrears, on assessments, “stands 
suspended ” from the Order, whether formally declared so or not. The suspen- 
sion can only be averted by payment within the specified time, and compliance 
with the other requirements of the law. The Lodge cannot extend the time for 
payment. 

4. A member in arrears for beneficiary assessments for six months stands 
suspended from all benefits and privileges of the Order, although the Financier 
may have failed to report him to the Master Workman, and he may not have 
been declared suspended. 

Dig. , 1st Ed. , par. 302. 

5. Suspension from the Order for non-payment of dues. 

Any member neglecting or refusing to pay the dues fixed by 
the by-laws of his Lodge for the period of six months shall be 
reported to the Lodge by the Financier, and the Master Work- 
man shall, unless otherwise directed by the Lodge, thereupon 
declare such member supended from the Order. 

Sub. L. Const.. Art. XI, § 2. 

6. Note. — The above is specifically applicable only to Subordinate Lodges 
under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge, but a similar provision 
has been adopted in the Subordinate Lodge constitutions in the different juris- 
dictions, except that some have fixed the period at twelve months instead of six. 
It may therefore be regarded as a general law of the Order. 

7. Suspension for non-payment of assessments or dues. A brother 
cannot be suspended from the Order until he is in arrears for beneficiary assess- 
ments, or dues and fines, for a period of six months. 

\ 

8. In some jurisdictions suspension for non-payment of dues does not take 
place until after a member is in arrears for twelve months. The subject of sus- 
pension for non-payment of dues is, however, regulated by each Grand juris- 
diction. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 305-6.' 

9. Illinois. A brother cannot be suspended until he is in arrears for assess- 
ments, or dues and fines, for a period of six months. As the law now stands, the 



SUSPENSION FROM THE ORDER. 


433 


Subordinate Lodges are authorized to assess fines in certain cases, but no pro- 
vision is made for collection. 

Pro . G. L. III., 1884, p. 665. 

10. The non-payment of assessments alone does not affect the standing 
of a member in the Order, except in his beneficiary rights, until he is in arrears 
for six months. He is then suspended from all the rights and benefits of the 
Order. Non-payment of assessments for a period less than six months simply 
renders void or suspends the beneficiary certificate, and deprives a member for 
the time of all rights to the beneficiary fund. Suspension at any time for non- 
payment of Lodge dues, or for improper conduct, deprives the member at once 
of all the rights and benefits of the Order, including all rights to the beneficiary 
fund. 

Pro. 7 th Ann. Sess ., Sup. L., p. 113. 

But the foregoing is subject to exception under the beneficiary laws of New 
York, Michigan, and Missouri. See paragraph 41, this title. 

11. Suspension of Subordinate Lodges. Any Subordi- 
nate Lodge failing or declining to make returns to the Su- 
preme or Grand Recorder as provided in Sec. 8, Ben. Art., so 
as to insure their receipt by the Supreme (or Grand) Recorder 
during the first week of each month, shall again be notified 
by the Supreme (or Grand) Recorder, and said second notice 
shall be mailed to the Master Workman, the Foreman, the 
Recorder, and, if there be one, the District Deputy of such 
Lodge in arrears, and should such returns fail to be made 
within one week from the date of said second notice, all certifi- 
cates under the jurisdiction of said Lodge shall stand suspended 
until said returns are made. 

Clause 5, § 8, Art. VIII. (Ben. Art.), Sup. L. Const. 

12. Suspension of Grand or Subordinate Lodges. 

See Charters. 

13. A member of a suspended Lodge has no right to sit in any other 
Lodge, nor to take part in any proceedings of the Order. 

Pro. G. L. Ky., 1876 , p. 18. 

14. Suspension of certificates. The Financier of each Sub- 
ordinate Lodge shall keep a book, wherein all assessments of 

28 


434 


SUSPENSION FROM THE ORDER. 


the beneficiary fund shall be entered against each member 
holding a valid certificate; such entry shall be made bearing 
date of the first meeting night, and not later than the 8th day 
of the month in which said notice was received. On the day 
succeeding the 28th day of said month, he shall furnish the 
Recorder of the Lodge with the names of the members who 
are in arrears on such assessment, and the Recorder shall place 
the same on the minutes of the Lodge, and mark such certifi- 
cates as suspended on the certificate register-book, affixing the 
date thereto. The certificate of each member who has not paid 
such assessment on or before the 28th of said month shall, by 
the fact of such non-payment, stand suspended, and no action 
upon the part of the Lodge, or any officer thereof, shall be 
required as essential to such suspension. 

Clause 1, § 9, Art. VIII, Sup. L . Const. 

15. Notice of assessment to suspended brothers. A brother suspended 
for non-payment of assessments need not receive further notice of assessments. 

See title Notice. 

16. The subject of notice, to the member, of “ assessments ” or other acts 
or things affecting his right in the Lodge or Order, is one of wide, practical 
interest. 

Various decisions are set forth in the title Notice, which see. 

17. A member cannot legally be suspended for the non-payment of all 
assessments of which he has had no notice. 

The right to suspend is dependent upon proper service of an assessment card, 
and the manner and essential requisites of service of notice may be regulated by 
the laws of the Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1881,/. 16. 

18. Suspension on non-payment of assessment. Not 
later than the 28th day of said month in which said notice of 
assessment was given, any member holding a certificate of the 
beneficiary fund, having failed or neglected to pay said assess- 
ment into the beneficiary fund in his Subordinate Lodge, shall 
forfeit all his rights under said certificate. 

Clause 3, § 8, Art. VIII, Sup. L. Const. 


SUSPENSION FROM THE ORDER 


435 


19. Note . — The foregoing law of the Supreme Lodge fixes the penalty of 
the member’s default, in the first instance, at the forfeiture of his rights under his 
beneficiary certificate. 

Under this law the member retains all the rights and privileges of member- 
ship, except the right to participate in the beneficiary fund, and to regain this 
right he has only to pay up all assessments upon his beneficiary certificate, pro- 
vided such payment is made within three months from the date of default, and 
complying with the provisions of Sec. 10. 

This is the law which prevails in most of the jurisdictions, but some Grand 
Lodges have adopted regulations of greater severity, and make the penalty of 
default, in the first instance, a forfeiture of all the rights of membership. 

The beneficiary laws of New York, Missouri, and Michigan contain such pro- 
visions. 

20. Insanity of member. The fact that a member has been pronounced 
insane by competent authority does not relieve him from liability to suspension 
for proper cause. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y, 1884. 

21. A beneficiary certificate cannot be suspended until the close of the 
28th of -the month. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1884, p. 58. 

22. A member who is in arrears for six months’ beneficiary assessments is 
suspended from the Order, although the Financier may not have so reported 
him to the Grand Recorder. (See minutes of eighth semi-annual session G. L. 
Pa.) 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 115. 

23. A brother in arrears for three months’ dues and not in arrears for bene- 
ficiary assessments is in good standing, and in case of his death, his heirs would 
receive the beneficiary money. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 46. 

24. Note . — The member is not, strictly speaking, in good standing; his bene- 
ficiary certificate is not yet invalidated. 

25. A brother who is in arrears over six months for dues and whose bene- 
ficiary assessments are paid up to date, no action having been taken by the 
Lodge in his case as to suspension, his certificate is good in law, the brother not 
having been delared suspended from the Order, as the law requires. (9th S. A. 
S. G. L. Pa.) 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 144. 


436 


SUSPENSION FROM THE ORDER. 


26. Non-attendance not a cause for suspension. No member of a Sub- 
ordinate Lodge is subject to suspension for or by reason of non-attendance at 
the meetings of the Lodge. 

27. Non-attendance. A member of a Subordinate Lodge is not subject to 
suspension for non-attendance. 

Pro. G. L. Wis., 1877. 

V 

28. A member cannot be suspended from the Order for non-payment of 
assessments before the expiration of six months ; and he is entitled to admission 
into the Lodge, provided he is not in arrears for dues. 

Pro. G. L. N. K, 1882. 

This decision was made prior to the adoption, of the law of the G. L. of New 
York, referred to in par. 18, ante , and par. 14, post. 

29. The Grand Lodge of California cannot suspend a brother for non- 
payment of antecedent assessments maturing within the jurisdiction of Cali- 
fornia, while the member was a subject of the jurisdiction of Nevada. 

Pro. Sup. Z., 1883, pp. 93, 125. 

30. Where Receiver is defaulter. 

See Agency. 

31. Loans or assessments paid by Lodge. A member cannot be sus- 
pended for non-payment of assessments advanced. 

See Assessments. 

32. Where a Lodge pays assessments for a brother who afterwards 
pays all, except those so paid for him by the Lodge, the Lodge cannot suspend 
him for refusal to reimburse the amount advanced by it. The assessments are 
paid. 

See Pro. G. L. III., 1883, p. 488. 

33. Loans. A member cannot be suspended for failure to pay advances 
made to him by the Lodge at the time agreed upon. 

Pro. G. L. Ky ., 1882, p. 10. 

34. A brother suspended for non-payment of assessments is not deprived 
of all privileges and benefits of the Order, unless his suspension is of more than 
six months’ duration. 


Pro. G. L. Tenn., 1879, p. 13. 


SUSPENSION FROM THE ORDER. 


437 


35. A brother cannot be suspended for not paying assessments at the last 
stated meeting of the Lodge in the month, when such meeting occurs on the 
2 1 st. 

Pro. G. L. Md., N. J., and Del.. 1883 . pp. 72, 81. 

36. Effect Of suspension, etc. Any member suspended or 
expelled from the Order, for any cause whatever, forfeits all 
claims to the beneficiary fund during said suspension or expul- 
sion. 

Art. VIII, § 14, Sup. L. Const. 

37. Absolute suspension. Any member in arrears for the 
period of six months shall stand suspended from all benefits 
and privileges of the Order. His beneficiary certificate shall be 
reported to the Supreme or Grand Recorder as annulled, and he 
shall not again be admitted to membership, except as provided 
for in Sec. 13 of this Article. 

Art. VIII, § 12, Sup. L. Const. 

38. Suspended members forfeit all rights. Any member 
suspended or expelled from the Order, for any cause whatever, 
forfeits all claims to the beneficiary fund during said suspen- 
sion or expulsion. 

Sup. L. Const.. Art. VIII, § 14. 

39. Ibid. — A member suspended (from the Order) is out of the Order, and 
entitled to no privileges or benefits of any kind until he is reinstated. 

Pro. 3 d Ann. Sess . , Sup. Z., p. 89. 

40. Members failing to pay an assessment stand suspended. Making a 
record of a suspension is no part of the suspension itself. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1883. 

41. Members stand suspended by operation of law. 

Pro. G. L. JVis.. 1881. 

42. Per capita tax. A brother’s name is not properly dropped from the 
roll until he is six months in arrears on beneficiary assessments, and during that 
time the Subordinate Lodge is liable to the Grand Lodge for his per capita tax. 

Dec. G. M. W., N. Y., 1881. 

See Per Capita Tax. 


438 


SUSPENSION FROM THE ORDER. 


The beneficiary article adopted by New York Grand Lodge contains the fol- 
lowing: “ Any member who has failed or neglected to pay such assessment or 
assessments into the beneficiary fund,” etc., “shall stand suspended from all 
rights and privileges whatsoever in the Order from that date." 

§ 9, Ben. Art , N. Y. 

It will be observed that the corresponding provision of the Supreme Lodge 
beneficiary article is: “ shall forfeit all his rights under said certificate." .(Bene- 
ficiary certificate.) 

And under the beneficiary article of Michigan, that the member in default 
“ shall forfeit all his rights as such member" 

Art. VII, § 8, Const. G. L. Mich. 

Under the constitution of Missouri, which contains but few departures from 
the Supreme Lodge beneficiary article, the words used are: “ Shall forfeit all his 
rights under such certificate or Master Workman degree." 

Art. V, § 8, Const. G. L. Mo. 

43. Note. — Dues. Delinquency for dues for six months in some jurisdictions, 
and for twelve months in others, is cause for suspension from the Order, but 
does not become operative except by affirmative action of the Master Workman. 

§ 13, see Reinstatement. 

44. Note. — As the Subordinate Lodge constitution in the different jurisdic- 
tions provides that a member who is in arrears for dues for a period of three 
months is not entitled to vote or hold office, it might be inferred that the same 
restriction is placed upon one who is in arrears for beneficiary assessments for 
the same period; but there is no law to that effect. In the former case this 
restriction of the right to vote or hold office is the only penalty imposed; in the 
latter, there is the heavier penalty of forfeiting all rights under the beneficiary 
certificate, and this does not carry with it the forfeiture of any other rights or 
privileges until the member is suspended from the Order. 

Dig., \st Ed., par. 219. 

45. Any member who neglects or refuses to pay the dues, 
as fixed by the by-laws of the Lodge, for the period of three 
months, shall not be entitled to vote, and shall be disqualified 
from holding office. And if neglecting or refusing to pay for 
the period of six months, he shall be reported to the Lodge by 
the Financier, and the Master Workman shall, unless otherwise 


SUSPENSION FROM THE ORDER. 


439 


directed by the Lodge, thereupon declare such member sus- 
pended from the Order. 

Art. XI, § 2, Sub. L. Const. 

46. The constitution of Subordinate Lodges in the State of New York 
(Art. XI, Sec. 3) is as follows: “ If a member shall neglect or omit to pay to the 
Financier of his Lodge the prescribed dues for the space of six months after the 
same become due and payable, the Financier shall serve upon him, in the man- 
ner provided for the service of notice of assessment, a notice in writing, signed 
by the Financier, stating the amount of dues payable, and requiring the pay- 
ment thereof to the Financier, at the lodge room of the Lodge, at the next reg- 
ular meeting. Such notice shall be served at least five days before such regular 
meeting. The Financier shall certify such notice, its contents and the time and 
manner of its service, to the Lodge at such regular meeting, and if such member 
shall make default in the payment thereof within the time required, the Lodge, 
at its next regular meeting thereafter, may, by a two-thirds vote, order the 
name of such member stricken from the roll and expel him from its membership.” 

47. Expulsion from the Order. Note . — Immoral conduct and violation of 
the principles and laws of the Order are punishable by expulsion from the 
Order, upon charges preferred and proceedings taken under the laws of the 
Order. A two-thirds vote is required to expel a member. 

48. Suspension. Where the by-laws provide for the for- 
feiture or suspension of benefits until all arrears for dues are 
paid, the payment thereof by a member is a condition precedent 
to the right of the widow to recover funeral benefits; and 
whether the dues are in arrears or not, at the death of a member, 
is a fact proper to be submitted to the jury. 

Logan Tribe vs. Schwartz, 19 Md. t 565. 

In this case there was no action taken by the council, or 
any resolution passed on the subject, nor was Schwartz formally 
suspended. 


See Per Capita Tax. 


TAX. 


TELLERS. 

See Election. 

TENDER. 

Tender of arrearages, or of beneficiary assessments. 

See Financier, Reinstatement, Etc. 

TERM. 

See Subordinate Lodge. 

TERM OF SERVICE IN OFFICE. 

See Service. 


TIME OF PAYMENT OF ARREARAGES. 

See Reinstatement. 


TRANSCRIPT. 

See Appeal. 

TRAVELING. 

i. Traveling in foreign lands. A brother may travel in foreign lands, 
and in case of death the beneficiary certificate must be paid ; provided, dues and 
assessments are paid up in the meantime. 

Dig., 1st Ed , par. 647. 


2. Life insurance companies generally place restrictions upon their policy 
holders in regard to foreign travel. No such restriction has been placed upon 
the members of the Order, by any general law or by any conditions contained 
in the beneficiary certificate. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 668. 

3. A member of a Lodge may keep his membership in good standing, 
although he may travel to the furthermost parts of the earth. 

rro. G. L. Wis., 1882. 

TRIAL. 

I. Charges and offenses. An officer or member of a Lodge 
of this Order, who shall violate the principles, rules, regulations 


TRIAL, 


441 


and customs of the Order, or disregard the requirements and 
laws thereof, shall be answerable therefor, and shall be tried 
and punished as the law of the Order may direct. 

L. 38 of Gen. App. 

2. Trial by Subordinate Lodges. Any member of the Order, of what- 
ever rank, may be tried by the Subordinate Lodge of which he is a member, 
upon charges being preferred in proper form, for any misdemeanor, as a mem- 
ber of the Lodge and Order. 

3. Charges and trial. In all cases of charges or complaints 
against any officer or member of the Lodge, for violation of any 
law or requirement of the Lodge or the Order, or for improper 
or immoral conduct, the case shall be proceeded with, and trial 
had in the manner and form prescribed by the general laws of 
the Order. 

Art. XV, § 1, Sub. L. Const. 

4. Any member may prefer charges in the Lodge to which a brother be- 
longs. 

Pro. G. L . Penna ., 1883, p. 23. 

5. Form of trial, etc. All charges made against a mem- 
ber shall be handed to the Recorder of the Lodge in which the 
charge is made, which complaint shall be read at a stated meet- 
ing of the Lodge, and the Recorder shall notify the accused 
when the matter will be taken up for consideration; at which 
time, if the charges are not withdrawn, a committee of five 
members shall be appointed. 

L. 42 of Gen. App. 

6. Lodge cannot discontinue proceedings. After charges have been 
preferred, a commiteee appointed, charges placed in the hands of the committee, 
and the prosecution commenced, the Lodge cannot discontinue the proceedings. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1883, p. 486. 

7. Action of Lodge final. Where charges have been preferred and sub- 
mitted to a committee of investigation, and the Lodge rejects the report of the 
committee, such action of the Lodge is final, except that an appeal lies to the 
Grand Master Workman or Grand Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Texas , 1881,/. 6. 


442 


TRIAL. 


8 . Duty of committee and action of Lodge. It shall be 
the duty of the committee to whom a charge has been referred 
to examine the parties, their proofs and witnesses carefully and 
impartially; they shall give due notice of the time and place of 
trial, and give fair opportunity for the accuser and accused to 
be present, and to have counsel as above stipulated. But one 
witness at a time shall be allowed to be present. The committee 
shall keep a correct journal of the proceedings, reduce the tes- 
timony received to writing, and have it signed by the witnesses 
in the order in which it was received; and after the evidence is 
closed, reduce to writing their opinion as to the guilt or inno- 
cence of the accused, upon each separate charge, and present 
the same, together with the record of their proceedings, and the 
testimony received, to the Lodge, at as early a day as practica- 
ble thereafter. The report of the committee shall be read, and 
after discussion, the Lodge shall take a ballot, and a majority 
of the votes cast being in favor of the report it shall be re- 
corded as the judgment of the Lodge. The journal and testi- 
mony shall be read on the call of five members. 

Law 43 of Gen. App. 

9. Appearance. A brother is not compelled by our law to appear when 
charges are preferred against him; but if he neglect or refuse so to do, the com- 
mittee will proceed with the trial the same as though he were present. 

10. Persons who are not members of the Order may be examined as 
witnesses on the trial of a brother. 

11. Charges, trial and appeal. No member of the Order 
shall be put on trial for any offense unless charges be preferred 
in writing and a copy served on him, and he have the opportu- 
nity of defending himself before a committee appointed to hear 
the case, who shall report to the Lodge having jurisdiction in 
the case. He shall have the privilege of defending himself by 
counsel, provided the counsel shall be a member of the Order 
in good standing. If the trial be in the Supreme Lodge, its 
action upon the report of the committee shall be final; if in a 


TRIAL. 


443 


Grand or Subordinate Lodge, an appeal may be taken as pro- 
vided by the laws of the Order. 

When a brother has been expelled from the Order under a 
misapprehension of facts, and such error becomes known to the 
Subordinate Lodge by whose decision he was expelled, such 
Lodge may, with the consent of the Supreme or Grand Lodge, 
as the case may be, or the Supreme or Grand Master Workman 
during vacation, reinstate such brother, or order a rehearing in 
the case, provided that before such brother be reinstated he must 
comply with the provisions of the beneficiary article. 

Z. 41 of Gen. App . 

12. Charges must be under seal and served. No member shall be put 
upon trial unless a copy of the charges, under seal of the Lodge, shall have 
been served upon him. And the necessity for such service is not removed by 
the fact that the accused was present in open Lodge and heard such charges read 
twice. 

Pro. G . L. Cal., 1883, p . 84. 

13. Where no charges or copy of the charges are served the committee 
acquire no jurisdiction. — Ibid, p. 85. 

14. Duty. It is essential to the welfare of the Order that Lodges and inves- 
tigating committees, in cases (charges and trials) which involve the character and 
good standing of members of the Order, should follow out the plain and simple 
laws framed for their guidance. 

Rep. Com. Pro. G. L. Cal., 1883, p. 84. 

15. Insufficient complaint. A complaint was made as follows: 

“ We do herewith charge with the crime of drunkenness and im- 

moral conduct in using money paid him by this Lodge for sick benefits for the 
purchase of intoxicating drinks, instead of applying the same for the payment 
of his just debts.” 

Held insufficient, for the reason that it does not state the time nor place when 
nor where the offense was committed. 

That a bare charge, without stating the acts from which conclusions of drunk- 
enness and immoral conduct are drawn, is too general and vague. 

Pro. G. L. California , 1883, p. 80. 

16. The foregoing charge was preferred in one Lodge against one of its 
members by members of another Lodge, without objection. 


444 


TRIAL. 


17. Charges by member of another Lodge. A member of one Lodge 
can go into another Lodge and prefer charges against a member of the latter 
Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Kan., 1883, p. 10. 

18. Installation of officer-elect under charges. 

See Installation, par. 14 and 20. 

19. Appointment of trial committee. No officer against whom charges 
are preferred shall have power to appoint the committee to judge his case. 

Art. XV,' § 2, Const. Sub, L. Col., N. Mex. and A riz. 

Art. XIV, § 2, Maryland, N. J. and Del. 

20. Should any officer or member be found guilty of any 
charge, it shall be the duty of the Lodge to prescribe the pun- 
ishment ; provided, that to remove an officer or suspend a mem- 
ber shall require a two-thirds vote. 

21. To remove an officer, or suspend or expel a member 
(except for non-payment of dues or assessments), shall require 
the concurrence of two-thirds of the vote cast. 

Law 44 of Gen. App. 

22. Master Workman casting ballot. In voting to expel a member, the 
M W. casts a ballot. The expulsion held irregular. (See M. W.) 

Pro. G. L. Pa., 1883, pp. 25, 106, 108. 

23. Obligation to witness. Every member is obligated. We cannot re- 
quire a member as a witness on a trial to take an oath as follows: “ I promise 
on my obligation as a Master Workman that the evidence I shall give in the 
case now being tried shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the 
truth. So help me, God.” 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1880, p. 158. 

24. Refusal to appear. A brother is not compelled by our law to appear 
when charges are preferred against him ; but if he neglect or refuse to appear 
without reasonable cause being shown, the committee will proceed with the 
trial the same as though he were present. 

4th S. A. S., G. L. Pa., p. 7; Penna. Rev. Dec., 7. 

25. Refusal to appear. A brother who has charges preferred against him, 
he having been notified to that effect, and has a copy of the charges furnished 


TRIAL. 


445 


him, and he requested to appear before the committee, either in person or by 
counsel, or both, he appearing by counsel, and then, after hearing the evidence 
against him, refuses to give any rebuttal testimony before that committee, they 
reporting to the Lodge, adopting that report and discharging the committee, 
cannot then introduce rebuttal testimony, unless a new trial has been ordered. 

5th S. A. S.,/. 7, Pro. G. L. Pa.. ( Penna . Rev. Dec., 50.) 

26. The evidence of persons not members of the Order can be received 
on the trial of a brother. 

8th S. A. S., Pro. G. L. Pa ., (Rev. Dec., 131.) 

27. Two-thirds vote necessary. The Lodge has the right to suspend or 
expel a brother found guilty of immoral conduct, provided two-thirds of the 
votes cast consent thereto. 

9th S. A. S., Rev. Dec., 153. 

28. Trial and conviction must precede suspension. No brother can be 
suspended on charges without a trial and conviction, as prescribed by law. 

10th A. S., Rev. Dec., 168. 

29. Suspended member may be tried. A member who has pleaded guilty 
to criminal charges is under the jurisdiction of the Lodge, and although he is at 
the time suspended, can be tried, etc. 

nth A. S., Rev. Dec., 196. 

30. Refusal to appear at trial. Where the accused refuses to appear 
before the committee, proceedings should be had in the same manner as if the 
brother were present. Proof should be made that the brother had been duly 
served with a copy of the charges. 

Pro. G. L. Ont., 1884, p. 74. 

31. Illinois. In this jurisdiction the charge is secret, but may be open when 
filed by a Lodge against a member of another Lodge, or by a member against a 
member of another Lodge, when the complaint is forwarded by the complain- 
ant’s Lodge, with an attestation of his good standing. The charge is referred to 
a committee of three to investigate. If sustained by their report the trial is had 
before the Lodge, but if there be witnesses not members of the Order, their testi- 
mony is taken by a committee and is reported to the Lodge. No member is 
entitled to vote unless present during the whole of the trial, etc. The system 
contains many provisions peculiar to this jurisdiction. This may also be said 
of New York, which prescribes details of charges, trials, etc., with minuteness. 


446 


TRIAL. 


32. Trial Committee in Grand Lodge. A P. M. W. who is not a repre- 
sentative cannot act as a member of a committee for the trial of a Grand Lodge 
officer. 

Pro. G. L . Ky., 1876, p. 36. 

33. A witness cannot be a member of the committee before whom he 
would have to testify. — Ibid. 

34. A Grand Lodge sat as in committee of the whole to act upon the report 
of a trial committee appointed to investigate charges against a Grand Master 
Workman. 

Pro. G. L. Ky ., 1876 ,p. 64. 

35. The accused is not entitled to vote on the question of his own guilt or 
innocence. 

Pro. G. L. 111 ., 1881, p. 263. 

36. The Sabbath is not a proper time, nor is a saloon a proper place, for 
the meeting of a committee. 

Report op Com. to G. M. W. of Ohio , 1880,/. 12, G. L. Jour. 

37. It will be seen by reference to the various provisions of law adopted 
by the Supreme Lodge regulating the incidents of trial, that charges or com- 
plaints should be reduced to writing. 

L. 41 of Gen. App. 

They should state with reasonable distinctness the time, place and particulars 
ot the alleged offense. 

See Form 23, Appendix. 

The charges when prepared should be handed to the Recorder of the Lodge, 
who should read them at the next stated meeting, and who should serve the accused 
with a copy of the complaint, accompanied by a notice of the time of the next 
meeting of the Lodge, when the matter will be taken up for consideration. 

See Form 24, Appendix. 

At this second meeting of the Lodge, if the charges are not withdrawn, a 
committee is appointed to hear the case. 

This trial committee consists of five members of the Lodge, and should notify 
both the accuser and accused of the time and place of hearing, so as to give both 
parties a fair opportunity to be present, with counsel, who must be a member of 
the Order. 

See Form 25, Appendix. 


TRIAL. 


447 


38. Notice of hearing. A member cannot be tried unless he is notified of 
the time and place of trial, and is furnished a copy of the charges. 

If the accused evades service of notice, or his whereabouts cannot be dis- 
covered, a notice with a copy of the charges addressed to his last known post- 
office would be sufficient. 

Any notice would be insufficient unless accompanied by a copy of the charges. 

8 th Ann. Sess. S. L. , 1880, p. 188. 

39. Refusal to grant card. Upon refusal to grant a clearance card the 
applicant is entitled to trial. 

Law 18, Gen. App. 

See Clearance Card, par. 28, 30, etc. 

40. Failure of committee to meet. At the time appointed by the com- 
mittee for hearing, the defendant was present, but a majority of the committee 
were absent. 

Held that the Lodge was not required to go through the presentation of new 
charges and the appointment of a new committee. 

It is the duty of a committee to avoid unnecessary delay. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1879. 

41. Offenses committed during suspension. A brother after suspension 
for non-payment of assessments was guilty of intoxication. He was sub- 
sequently reinstated, and charges were preferred against him for acts committed 
during such suspension. 

Held that the member was subject to charges for offenses committed during 
suspension. 

Pro. G. L. Wis. , 1880, p. 11. 

42. Offenses committed prior to admission to the Order furnish no ground 
for expulsion. 

Pro. G. L. Ohio , 1883. 

43. Two-thirds vote. Suspension or expulsion of a brother for an offense 
without the concurrence of two-thirds of the valid votes cast, is contrary to the 
constitution, unauthorized and void, even though the by-laws of the Lodge pro- 
vide in terms for such suspension or expulsion. 

Pro. G. L. Wis ., 1879. 

44. Waiver of irregularities. The appearance before a trial committee of 
a defendant by his business partner duly authorized for that purpose, who pro- 
ceeded to a trial upon irregular charges, without objection, was a waiver of such 
irregularities, and the objections cannot be raised in the first instance on appeal. 

Pro. G. L. N. K., 1883. 


448 


TRIAL. 


45. Irregular appeal dismissed. The defendant attempted to appeal from 
the action of the Subordinate Lodge. The method adopted by him was by 
writing a letter to the G. M. W., setting forth the alleged irregularity, but no 
copy of the letter or any notice of appeal was ever served on the Lodge. 

Held that the appeal was irregular, and the same was dismissed, and the action 
of the Subordinate Lodge appealed from was affirmed. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1883. 

46. Punishment without trial illegal. A by-law or resolution is uncon- 
stitutional which provides for the punishment of offenses of any grade by action 
of the Lodge upon mere motion. 

Written charges must in all cases be presented, and the brother tried as pre- 
scribed in the constitution. 

Pro. G. L. Wis . , 1881, p. 21. 

47. Voting on suspension or expulsion should be by ball ballot. 

Pro. G. L. Tenn ., 1879,/. 13. 

48. California. If a specific penalty for an offense be provided in the con- 
stitution and by-laws, the Master Workman should enforce it. 

If none be so provided, the Lodge shall decide by proper ballot whether the 
penalty shall be expulsion, suspension, reprimand or fine. * * * If, upon 

the ballot, it shall appear that two-thirds are cast for expulsion, such shall be the 
penalty. If two-thirds of the ballots are cast for suspension, such shall 
be the penalty, and the Lodge shall proceed to fix the duration of the suspen- 
sion. If neither expulsion nor suspension is determined as the penalty, as above 
provided, then the penalty shall be either reprimand, fine, or both. If fine is 
determined upon, then the Lodge shall fix the amount, not exceeding ten dollars. 
If reprimand is decided upon, then the accused shall be reprimanded in open 
Lodge by the Master Workman. 

No ballot held under this section shall be reconsidered. * * * 

Art. XV, § 10, Sub. L. Const., Cal. 

Penalty. — A brother had been found guilty, and upon taking a vote on the 
degrees of punishment, reprimand was reached and agreed to; after which, fine 
was voted for and agreed to. On an appeal, a deputy decided that both punish- 
ments could not be legally inflicted, if voted for at different ballots. From this 
decision an appeal was taken and sustained. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1882,/. 19. ( See par. 48 above.) 

49. California. When a committee has brought in a verdict of guilty, and 
a vote has been taken on “expulsion” and “suspension,” and neither has ob- 


TRIAL. 


449 


tained the requisite vote, then the penalty shall be reprimand or fine, or both, at 
the option of the Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1883, p. 13. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1882 , p. 127. 

Making three degrees of punishment still in the power of the Lodge.— Ibid. 

50. The absolute right to counsel is accorded only to the accused. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1882 , p. 104. 

51. Protest against report of committee. There is no law or regulation 
under which a protest against the report of a committee is recognized. 

The only way to defeat it is by a majority vote. 

Dig., 1st Ed , par. 641. 

If it is desired to have the testimony read, there should be a call therefor by 
five members. 

The committee have a right to recall witnesses. 

The accused has the right to be present during the examination of witnesses. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1882, p. 104. 

52. Third parties present at trial. If persons, others than those allowed 
by law, are present at the trial, objections should be made at the time, and the 
record should show the fact. 

53. Sufficiency of committee’s report. Where the committee found the 
defendant guilty of the first specification of the charge and not guilty of the 
second, the committee thereby gave their opinion as to the guilt or innocence of 
the accused in each separate charge. 

This was a full compliance with the law upon this point. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1882, p. 89. 

54. A brother was convicted of intoxication, and the Lodge duly proceed- 
ing to affix the penalty, and a ballot being taken on “ expulsion,” decided and 
declared the brother should not be expelled. A ballot being taken on suspen- 
sion, that punishment was designated, but on fixing the duration thereof one 
year was adjudged as the time. For the reason, among others, that this was, in 
effect, the punishment of expulsion, which had been declared should not be in- 
flicted. an appeal was taken to the Grand Lodge, whereupon it was 

Held, the Lodge could not do indirectly what it refused to do directly, and its 
action was reversed. 


Pro. G. L. Cal., 1883, p. 112. 
29 


450 


TRIAL. 


55. The G. M. W. of California decided in a case presented to him that 
when a Lodge has intentionally or erroneously inflicted a penalty upon one of its 
members for infringement or violation of its local law, said Lodge possesses the 
inherent right and power, by its action at a subsequent meeting, to rescind or 
reverse its former action, whether said penalty was reprimand, fine, suspension 
for a definite period, or suspension for non-payment of dues. 

After extended deliberation the decision of the G. M. W. was not sustained by 
the Grand Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1883, pp. 18, 99. 

At the session of the Supreme Lodge occurring thereafter that body adopted 
the final clause of Law 41 of General Application. 

Pro. Sup. L., 1883. 

56. Punishment for conversion of funds of the Order. V. E., while 
acting as Receiver of a Lodge, converted its funds to his own use. 

His arrest being caused, the money was refunded. 

Thereafter the offender was charged with conduct unbecoming a Workman, 
the specification setting forth the defalcation mentioned. 

The offense was admitted to the committee, who found the defendant guilty, 
but recommended him to the favorable consideration of the Lodge by reason of 
the subsequent repayment by him of the moneys taken. 

A Master Workman degree member present requested the Master Workman 
presiding to pronounce sentence of expulsion, which request was denied, and the 
member protested, and appealed after a ballot had been ordered and taken, the 
result of which showed two for expulsion, forty-one for reprimand, and two for 
acquittal, and the Master Workman had decided the penalty to be reprimand, as 
fixed. 

The appeal committee of the Grand Lodge sustained the appeal. 

After referring to the pertinent part of Art. XV, Sec. 4, Const. Sub. L., Cal. 
(L. 39, of Gen. A pp.), the committee said: 

“The charge in this case is specific, and brings the case clearly within the 
provisions of the above law. * * * The provisions of the section are man- 

datory, and the Lodge had no discretion in the matter; upon the adoption of the 
report made by the committee it was the duty of the Master Woikman to declare 
the member expelled.” 

Pro. G. L. California, 1883,/. XI 9- 

The committee of the Grand Lodge appended to their report a recommenda- 
tion that the Subordinate Lodge be directed to expel the member, but this rec- 
ommendation was stricken out, and a recommendation inserted instead thereof 


TRIAL. 


451 


that the Lodge retain the member, and that in view of his restitution reprimand 
be deemed sufficient punishment. 

The report, as thus amended, was adopted by the Grand Lodge, whereupon 
an appeal was taken to the Supreme Lodge. 

The committee on appeals of the Supreme Lodge decided that expulsion must 
necessarily follow as the judgment in every case where it is shown by proof, or 
the confession of the accused, that funds belonging to the Order have been un- 
lawfully appropriated by their lawful custodian. 

Pro. Sup. L., nth Ann. Sess., 1883. 

57. Lodges refusing to punish offenders forfeit charter. 

See Charter. 

58. Proceeding’s for expulsion are to be considered with- 
out too much regard to technicalities, and substantial justice is 
to be kept in view, rather than mere form. Under articles pro- 
viding for the appointment of a committee of investigation by 
the presiding officer, without directing how or when, an appoint- 
ment immediately after the adjournment of the meeting which 
passed the resolution of reference, by the second vice-presi- 
dent, who had presided at that meeting, and a subsequent ap- 
pointment by the first vice-president to the places of two who had 
declined to act, were held under the circumstances of the case not 
open to objection as to the source or time of the appointments. 

The relator, having been before a committee claiming to be 
regular, and not shown to be otherwise, should have made his 
formal objections there; and it will be presumed that, if the 
proceedings before the committee were not according to the 
usages of the society, they would not have been sanctioned by 
the society; and at any rate this court is no place to review such 
routine questions. 

People ex re/. Burton vs. St. George’s Society, 28 Mich., 261. 

59. While it appeared by a return to a mandamus that a 
corporator had been duly cited, under a by-law within the scope 
of the charter, before the officers of the corporation, and that 
the offense charged against him was substantiated by two wit- 
nesses, and that he was regularly found guilty, and had refused 


453 


TRIAL. 


to interpose any defense, it was adjudged that the return was 
sufficient without showing that the witnesses testified under 
oath. 

People vs. N. Y. Commercial Association. 18 Abb., 271 

A society has no right to expel a member merely because he 
does not appear in obedience to a notice duly served upon him, 
and without proving the charges against him. Even though 
the party charged does not appear, still, proof of his offense 
should be required. 

People vs. Y. M. Father Mathew’s Benev. Soc., 65 Barb., 357. 

60. The imposition of a fine upon a member of an associa- 
tion in his absence, without notice, formal complaint or trial, 
is a void proceeding, and is no bar to a subsequent regular pro- 
ceeding for the same offense; and especially so where, after the 
member has been suspended for refusal to pay such fine, the 
proceeding was annulled by the directors, and the member re- 
stored. 

This relator having been fairly tried, upon due notice, and in 
accordance with the rules of the association, and there being 
abundant proof against him tending to show that he had com- 
mitted the offense charged, he will not be restored by manda- 
mus. But it is doubtful whether the court will, in such a case, 
look into the testimony for any purpose. 

State vs. Chamber of Commerce, 47 Wise ., 671. 

61. Notice by a member of a Lodge, when summoned for 
trial, to the master or principal officer, that he could not be 
present at the time and place fixed for the trial of the charges, 
owing to other duties as a public officer, does not of itself oust 
the Lodge of jurisdiction to try such party on the charges at 
such time and place. 

Robinson vs. Yates City Lodge, 86 III., 598. 

He did not even prove that this was a fact, or that he made 
application based on proof of that fact, in a proper manner, to 
have the hearing of his case postponed. 






TRUSTEES OF SUBORDINATE LODGE. 


453 


62. Under articles of association providing for expelling 
members guilty of improper conduct calculated to bring the 
society into disrepute, it cannot be said that charges, 1st: of 
receiving of an applicant for admission his proposed initiation 
fee and failing to pay it over to the society or to return it to the 
applicant, who had complained thereof to several persons ; and 
2d: of having been entrusted by the secretary with the keys 
of the society chest to obtain a receipt book therefrom, and 
having at the same time, and without leave, taken from such 
chest the original roll of the society, and refused to return it, 
are insufficient. 

People ex rel. Burton vs. St. George’s Society, 28 Mich., 261. 

63 When the constitution of an incorporated society makes 
“ slander against the society ” by a member an offense for which 
he may be fined or expelled, it will be held that an offense some- 
thing analogous to the common law offense of slander, as appli- 
cable to individuals, is intended, and in a proceeding to enforce 
such a provision, unless the words charged to be slanderous are 
set forth, it cannot be known whether there is any jurisdiction 
to make the inquiry; and, as corporations are bound to keep 
records, the proceedings necessary to authorize action against 
an accused member must appear of record. 

A written charge, therefore, upon the records of the society, 
showing an offense within the meaning of the constitutional 
provision, is necessary to sustain the jurisdiction to proceed 
upon it. 

Roehler vs. Mechanics’ Aid Society, 22 Mich., 86. 

TRUSTEES OF SUPREME LODGE. 

See Supreme Trustees. 

TRUSTEES OF GRAND LODGE. 

See Grand Trustees. 

TRUSTEES OF SUBORDINATE LODGE. 

I. The Trustees shall have the general supervision of the 
land and other property of the Lodge ; they shall invest, in 


454 


TRUSTEES OF SUBORDINATE LODGE. 


such securities as the Lodge may direct, such sums as are or- 
dered to be drawn from the Receiver for that purpose, and de- 
posit the vouchers with the Receiver ; they shall have the cus- 
tody of all securities of the Lodge for money loaned or invested; 
they shall collect or realize all such sums when so directed by 
the Lodge ; they shall collect all interest, rents, and other 
moneys arising from all investments belonging to the Lodge, 
and pay the moneys collected by them to the Financier; they 
shall, at the last stated meeting, at the close of every term, 
report their transactions to the Lodge and make an inventory 
of all properties of the Lodge. Before entering upon the duties 
of their office they shall each give bond, with approved surety, 
in such sum as the Lodge may require, for the faithful perform- 
ance of their duties. 

Art. X, § io, Sub. L. Const. 

2. The office of trustee may not be declared vacant for non-attendance. 

Pro. Sup. L. t 2 d Ann. Sess.,p. 56. 

See Vacancy. 

3. All the officers, except the Trustees, elected at the insti- 
tution of a Lodge, shall serve until the end of the term, etc. 

L. 7, of Gen. App. 

4. One Of the Trustees shall be elected to serve until the 
end of the term for which the other officers are elected ; one to 
serve six months longer than the first, and one to serve twelve 
months longer than the first ; and at the end of the term for 
which they were severally elected, their successors shall be 
elected to serve terms of eighteen months each. 

L. 8 of Gen. App. 

5. Eligibility. A full term of service as Trustee does not render one eligi- 
ble for Master Workman, 

Pro. G. L. Ky 1876, p. 58. 

Pro. G. L. Minn., 1878, p. 46. 

Pro. G. L. California , 1880, p. 30. 


TRUSTEES OF SUBORDINATE LODGE. 


455 


6. Eligibility. Any Trustee who serves to the end of his term is eligible to 
the office of Master Workman. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1883. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1881,/. 269. 

7. Eligibility. A Trustee whose term of office has not expired is not 
eligible to the office of Receiver. 

The Trustees hold the Receiver’s bond, and it is not the intention of our law 
that an officer be the holder of his own bond. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1882 ,p. 169. 

8. Ohio — Bonds. Under the laws governing Subordinate Lodges in Ohio 
the Trustees are required to give bonds, payable to the M. W. in trust for the 
Lodge. 

Art. XI, § 10, Sub. L. Const., Ohio. 

Held under the foregoing that a brother when holding the position of Trustee 
is not eligible to the office of Master Workman; the duties of the M. W. position 
would conflict. 

Pro. G. L. Ohio, 1883. 

9. Power of Trustees to lease Lodge property. The Trustees of a 
Subordinate Lodge possess no authority to permit other societies to use Lodge 
property unless such authority has been delegated in the by-laws or by vote of 
the Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1879. 


1 


u 


UNWRITTEN WORK. 

1. The degree password is taken from members seeking admission at the 
inner door only. 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1881, p. 266. 

2. It is necessary to ask the M. W. for permission to cross or recross the 
hall. — Id. 

3. The D. W. is given by the Master Workman orally, word and an- 
swer plainly pronounced in a whisper. — Id. 

4. Unwritten work changed only by a two-thirds vote of representatives 
present. 

Const. Sup. Z., Art. IV, § 1. 

See Ritual, par. 3, etc. 

UPCHURCH. 

Past Supreme Master Workman, founder of the Order. 

See Past Supreme Master Workman, par. 5. 


VACANCY. 


1. If any officer shall absent himself from three successive 
stated meetings of the Lodge (unless prevented by sickness or 
some other unavoidable cause), the Master Workman may de- 
clare his office vacant. 

Art. XIII, § i, Sub. L. Const. 

2. Any officer may be removed for inattention to his duties, 
or conduct unbecoming an officer of the Order; and vacancies 
occurring by reason of death, resignation or otherwise, shall be 
filled in the manner of the original selection, to serve the re- 
mainder of the term; but in case of a vacancy in office, nomi- 
nations, election and installation may take place at the same 
meeting of the Lodge. 

Art. XIII, § 2, Sub. L. Const. 

3. Exception. Section 1 of Art. XIII, Subordinate Lodge constitution, 
does not apply in case of a Master Workman. " 

If the Master Workman neglects to perform his duties, he can be removed 
under Art. XV of the constitution. 

Pro. G. L. Kansas , 1881, p. go. 

4. When a vacancy occurs in the Master Workman’s station, it is to be 
filled by the Foreman, who, on completion of the term, is entitled to the honors. 

An election must be had to fill the vacancy in the office of Foreman. 

Pro. G. L. Minn., 1879 , p. 22. 

5. Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona. Suspension or expulsion from a 
Lodge to which a P. M. W. of this Grand Lodge belongs shall operate as a sus- 
pension or expulsion from office or as a member of this Grand Lodge, and the 
vacancy thereby created shall be filled in the manner prescribed by the constitu- 
tion, Art. V, Sec. 2. (If during recess, by appointment of the G. M. W. until 
following session, when such vacancy is filled by election.) 

Art. V, § 1, By-Laws G. L. Col., N. M , and A. 

6. When the Master Workman does not declare a seat vacant, it cannot 
be declared vacant by a vote of the Lodge, except after charges and trial. 

Pro G Minn., 1879, P- 3 ^- 


458 


VISITING. 


7. Decision declaring vacancy revoked. The Master Workman declared 
the office of Foreman vacant on account of absence, without waiting to ascertain 
the cause of such absence. Afterward [the Journal does not show the time — E d.] 
he revoked his decision and declared it not vacant, and the Lodge, on appeal 
from this action, sustained his decision. On appeal to the G M. W. the action 
of the M. W. and Lodge was sustained, and the appeal dismissed. 

Held , it was his duty, believing his first act illegal, to declare it null and void. 

Pro. G. L. Minn ., 1879, />. 18. 

8. Should the M. W. remove to another State it would furnish a good 

reason for his removal from office; but the chair is not vacated thereby. 

The Lodge must by vote declare it to be vacant. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1879 ,p 23. 

But see title Removals and Vacancies. 

9. Tennessee. — Failure to maintain good standing. Under Sec. 7, 
Art. IV, Sub. L. Const, of Tenn., should an officer or representative, for any 
cause, fail to maintain his good standing in the Order his position shall be de- 
clared vacant, and a new election shall be held to fill the vacancy. 

VISITING. 

1. Visitors in Supreme Lodge. All Past Grand Master 

Workmen and Past Master Workmen, in good standing, who 

are members of a Grand Lodge, shall be admitted to seats in 
the Supreme Lodge as visitors. 

Art. II, § 1, Sup. L . Const. 

2. Missouri. Any P. M. W., in good standing, a member of another Grand 
Lodge, upon satisfactory proof, is admitted to the Grand Lodge of Missouri as 
a visitor. 

Art. I, § 2, G. L. Const . of Mo. 

Visiting Grand Lodge. 

See Past Master Workman. 

3. Right of visiting Subordinate Lodge. Any Master 
Workman degree member, in good standing, shall have the 
right to visit any Subordinate Lodge by proving himself in the 
semi-annual password and the unwritten work of the Order. 

L. 37 of Gen. App. 




VISITING. 


459 


4. Password of J. W. degree. A visiting M. W. degree member, having 
the S. A. and degree P. W. and signs, is entitled to a seat in the Lodge while 
working in the lower degrees, although he may not have the password of said 
lower degree. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 58. 

5. Visitor must be in possession of semi-annual password. A visit- 
ing brother who proves himself well posted in the work, but who claims to 
have forgotten the S. A. P. W., cannot be admitted. 

The first step taken should be to demand the S. A. P. W., and, failing in this, 
further examination is useless. 

Pro. G. L. Tenn., 1879, /• I 3 - 

Pro. G. L. Ills., 1881,/. 267. 

6. When Junior Workmen may visit. Law 37 of Gen. Application gives 
the right to visit a Subordinate Lodge to Master Workmen in good standing, 
and by implication limits that right to them. 

A Junior Workman cannot visit another Lodge than his own when working 
in the J. W. degree. 

N. Y., 1878. 

7. A visiting Master Workman degree member, having the semi-annual 
and degree password and signs, is entitled to a seat in the Lodge while working 
in the lower degrees, although he may not have the password of the said lower 
degrees. 

Penn. Rev. Dec., 58. 

8. Ibid. A brother cannot visit a Lodge unless he is in possession of the 
passwords and signs. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., I. 

9. The Master Workman cannot instruct a visiting brother in the signs 
or passwords, unless the brother has a written order, under seal of his Lodge, 
making request of the Master Workman to instruct him therein. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 72. 

10. Visiting brother acting as Foreman. A visiting brother was placed 
in the Foreman’s chair. 

On balloting for a candidate, as the box was about to be presented to the Fore- 
man pro tem., for the purpose of having the result declared, an objection was 
raised that he was not a member of the Lodge, and was not empowered to de- 
clare the result. This view was adopted on appeal. 

Pro. G. L. Iowa , 1878, p. 17. 


460 


VOTING. 


It seems the fact that the visiting brother was G. M. W. at the time does not 
alter the case. 

VISITING THE SICK. 

See Relief Committee. 

VOUCHING. 

i. A member cannot vouch for another under any circumstances. 

The visitor must be in possession of the P. W. 

Pro. G. L. Penna . , 1883, p. 24. 

VOTING. 

1. Voting 1 in Supreme Lodge. Each member of the Su- 
preme Lodge has one vote only; and each Grand Lodge, in ad- 
dition, shall be entitled to one vote for each one thousand 
members under its jurisdiction as shown by its last official 
return to the Supreme Lodge, and for any fraction of a thou- 
sand over five hundred, one additional vote; this shall be the 
ratio of voting in all elections, and also when such a vote shall 
be demanded by five members. All other matters shall be de- 
termined by a majority of the members present, and in case of 
a tie, the presiding officer gives the casting vote. 

2. The Supreme Recorder shall, at the opening of the Su- 
preme Lodge, prepare a roll of the members and affix the num- 
ber of votes to which each is entitled. 

Art. IV, § 2, par. 2, Sup. L. Const. 

3. The number of votes to which a Grand Lodge is entitled in the Supreme 
Lodge shall be governed by the official return ot March 1st of each year. 

Pro. Sup. L , 1880, p. 29. 

4. Supreme Lodge elections shall be by a majority of all the votes cast, 
and, except when only one nomination is made, shall be by ballot. 

See Election. 

5. Amendment of general laws. A vote of two-thirds of the entire num- 
ber of members enrolled at any meeting of the Supreme Lodge is necessary to 
alter, amend or abrogate any of the provisions of the general laws of the Order. 

Pro. 7th Ann. Sess. Sup. L., p. 1 14. 

See Amendment, par. 2. 


VOTING, 


461 


v 


6. Two-thirds vote. A two-thirds vote is required to alter the unwritten 
work. 

Art. IV, § i, Sup. L. Const. 

7. A two-thirds vote is required to alter or amend the constitution of the 
Supreme Lodge. 

See Art. XIII, Sup. L. Const., and 

See Amendments, par. 1. 

8. A two-thirds vote is required to amend or suspend the rules of order of 
the Supreme Lodge or transpose its order of business. 

See Rules 

9. A two-thirds vote is required to accept an invitation tendered the Su- 
preme Lodge. 

See Rules. 

10. A two-thirds vote is required to alter or amend the constitution of 
Subordinate Lodges. 

See Amendments, par. 9. 

11. A two-thirds vote of all the representatives present at the Supreme 
Lodge is necessary to annul or suspend the charter of a Grand Lodge, except 
for certain offenses. 

Law 2, App. to G. L. 

12. A two-thirds vote of all the members present is required to suspend a 
Subordinate Lodge. 

L. 22, App. to G. L. 

See Delinquent and Dp:funct Lodges. 

13. To remove an officer, or suspend or expel a member (except for non- 
payment of dues or assessments), shall require the concurrence of two-thirds of 
the vote cast. 

L. 44, of Gen. App. 

See Trials. 

14. Two-thirds of enrolled members. Grand Lodges may adopt amend- 
ments to their constitution and by-laws by a vote of two-thirds of the entire 
number to which the members enrolled shall be entitled, or by the same vote 
may abrogate the requirement for the previous submission of such amendments 
to the Subordinate Lodges of their jurisdiction. 

Law 17, App. to G. L. 


462 


VOTING. 


15. Majority vote Reinstatement of a Subordinate Lodge may be effected 
by a majority vote of the Supreme or Grand Lodge under whose jurisdiction it 
may be. 

L. 25, App. to G. L. 

16. A vote, although illegally cast, if it does not affect the general result, 
does not destroy the legality of the ballot. 

Pro. G. L. California , 1883, p. 13. 

17. Members of a committee may vote on the disposition of their report. 

Ptnna. Rev. Dec. (124), p. 8. 

18. A vote upon suspension or expulsion of a brother under penal law 
should be by ball ballot. 

Pro. G. L. Tenn ., 1879, A I 3 > 

19. A vote by ayes and noes can be called for upon a motion or resolution. 

While the ritual prescribes a mode of voting, yet that is used in the absence 

of a call for some other mode; and, if the by-laws of a Lodge fail to regulate it, 
Cushing’s Manual [Roberts’ Rules of Order, see Rules of Order), the adopted 
standard of the order upon parliamentary laws, points out that as one of the 
modes of voting upon all questions. 

Pro. G. L. Tenn.. 1878, p. 13. 

20. When member entitled to vote, etc. A member is entitled to vote 
and hold office if his dues are not in arrears more than three months, and his 
beneficiary assessments more than six months. 

Pro. G. L. Minn., 1878, p. 46. 

21. Kentucky Grand Lodge. All votes for members not in nomination, 
and blanks, shall be thrown out and not counted. 

Art. VII, § 6, G. L. Const. Ky. 

None but representatives from Subordinate Lodges can vote for officers. 

Art. VIII, § 7, ibid , and standing rule No. 5, G. L. Ky. 

22. Election. A majority of all votes cast is required to elect any officer in 
our Order. 

Every brother in good standing is entitled to have his vote counted, and if he 
chooses to vote a blank it is his privilege to do so. 

If twenty-one votes were cast, ten for a candidate and eleven blanks, said 
candidate would not be elected, but defeated. 

Pro. G. L. Cal., 1883, p. 13. 


VOTING. 


463 


23. Majority vote. Only a majority vote is required to give consent to a 
person to join a Lodge outside the jurisdiction of the one the consent of which 
is applied for. 

Application for such permission may be made by such other Lodge, or by the 
individual himself. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1883. 

24. By the sign. The vote upon the question of reinstatement of a brother 
suspended more than three months, but less than six months, may be taken by 
the voting sign. 

A ballot is not necessary. 

Pro. G . L. Wis ., 1881. 

25. Reinstatement by the sign. The voting referred to in §§ 10 and 11, 
Art. VIII, Ben. Art., should not be by secret ballot, but by the usual sign of the 
Order. 

Pro. Slip. L., II th Ann. Sess., 1883. 

26. All members of the Lodge present at a Lodge meeting must vote unless 
excused by unanimous consent. 

Pro. G. L. N. Y., 1884. 

27. No member can be compelled to vote for or against a candidate. 

The ballot in this case is optional. In matters generally before a Lodge, with 
this exception, members can be required to vote. 

Pro. G. L. California , 1883, p. 12. 

It was also held herein that members declining to vote were not to be counted 
in the negative. 

See Ibid, pp. 12, 107. 

28. A member is not compelled by our law to vote. 

Penna. Rev. Dec..p. 8. 

29. 1 Any member who neglects or refuses to pay the dues as fixed by the 
by-laws of the Lodge, for the period of three months, shall not be entitled to 
vote, etc. 

Art. XI, § 2, Sub. L. Const. 

30. A brother in arrears for dues for a period of three months is not enti- 
tled to vote or to hold office, but he has the privilege of speaking. 

Penna. Rev. Dec.,p. 7. 


464 


VOTING BY BALLOT. 


31. A brother who is in arrears for dues for a period of three months is not 
entitled to a vote. A ball ballot is a vote. 

Penna. Rev. Dec . , p. 7. 

32. Any member suspended from the Order for non-payment of dues or 
beneficiary assessments for the period of six months, and wishing to be rein- 
stated, must make application in writing, and comply with the requirements of 
Sec. 10, Ben. Art., the application to be referred to a committee of three, who 
shall report at a subsequent meeting of the Lodge, whereupon a ballot (see fol- 
lowing decisions) shall be taken, and if a majority of the members be in favor of 
reinstatement it shall be recorded as the judgment of the Lodge. 

Penna. Rev. Dec.,p. 8. 

/ 

33. Note . — The decision above quoted, so far as it relates to the taking of the 
vote by ballot , has been changed by the G. L. of Pa. by the following: 

The manner of voting called for in Sec. 8, Ben. Art., where it is enacted 
that the Lodge shall vote to declare a certificate renewed, is by sign, and not by 
ballot. 

Pro. G. L. Pa ., 1883, p. 22. 

Pro. G. L. Kansas , 1882, p. 10. 

34. As to voting on granting or deposit of Card, Reinstatement, etc., 
see the respective titles. 

VOTING BY BALLOT. 

See Ballot. 

1. Voting by standing is not a proper way to" take a vote of the Lodge. 
Nor is a viva voce vote proper. Giving the proper voting sign is the only proper 
way to take a vote in a Subordinate Lodge. 

Pro. G. L. Penna., 1883, p. 22. 

2. No vote can be taken by a Lodge on the application for the deposit 
of a card without first having received official notice from the Lodge granting 
said card that all beneficiary assessments due thereon have been fully paid, and 
that no charges are pending against the brother holding said card, and no action 
can be taken on a card after the expiration of the time for which it is granted. 

Penna. Rev. Dec., 42. 





w 


WAIVER. 

1. The demand and receipt of assessments by a life in- 
surance company, after the death of the insured, with knowl- 
edge of his death, and that the contract was voidable on 
account of misrepresentations by the insured, waives the for- 
feiture, although the company had no right to demand such 
payments, and the beneficiary was under no obligation to make 
them. 

Masonic Mut. Benefit Assoc, vs. Beck, 77 Ind ., 203; 40 Am. Rep., 295. 

2. Waiver. A stipulation that if a payment is not made at 
maturity the policy shall be void does not render it void in case 
of non-payment, but merely gives the company the option of 
declaring a forfeiture, which must be asserted by clear and un- 
equivocal acts. The stipulation, being made for the benefit of 
the company, may be waived by failure to act, or other circum- 
stances evincing an intention not to claim the benefit of it; 
whether the company has exercised such option, or waived 
their rights, is a question of fact for the jury, under all the cir- 
cumstances of the case. 

Mutual Life Ins. Co. vs. French, 30 Ohio , 240. 

Columbia Ins. Co. vs. Buckley, 83 Pa., 293. 

The policy becomes void, and it is not necessary for the in- 
surer to declare the forfeiture, but he may, at his option, waive 
the forfeiture. 

Boehne vs. Knickerbocker Ins. Co., 63 N. Y., 160. 

Chicago Ins. Co. vs. Warner, 80 Ills. , 410. 

If before a forfeiture has been declared the insured tenders 
the amount due, the company cannot require other payments to 
be made which are not required by the contract as a condition. 
—Ibid. 

3. Where a member of a mutual life insurance company 
fails to meet the assessments made upon him, but subsequently 

30 


466 


WAIVER. 


transmits to the secretary an amount of money in payment 
of all dues then demanded of him, which sum the company 
retained until after his death without notifying whether it 
was satisfactory or not, such action is a waiver of the default, 
and restored him to membership. 

Georgia Masonic Mut. Ins. Co. vs. Gibson, 52 Geo., 640. 

4. A policy provided that a failure to pay any assessment 
within a specified time after the notice of the death of a mem- 
ber should work a forfeiture; and a rule of the company pro- 
vided that members whose policies had lapsed might be rein- 
stated upon presenting a certificate of good health and paying 
all unpaid dues. Notice of the death of four members, and 
the consequent assessments, were sent successively, at intervals, 
to a member, but he never paid them. Afterwards notice of the 
death of a fifth member of the company was sent to him; he 
was then on his death-bed. His brother-in-law, not knowing 
that the other assessments were unpaid, sent, his assessment to 
the company in the name of the insured, but without his author- 
ity. The secretary did not enter the money on the books, but held 
it, and wrote to the insured for information in regard to his 
unpaid assessments, but he had died two days before the letter 
was written. Hearing that he was dead, the company tendered 
back the money to his representatives, who refused to receive it. 
In an action by the widow, in whose favor the policy was written, 
it was ruled that there was no evidence to go to the jury to find 
a waiver of the forfeiture of the policy caused by the failure to 
pay the assessments. 

Mutual Protection Ins. Co. vs. Laury, 84 Pa., 43. 

5. Where a certificate of membership in a society, which 
provides for paying a certain sum of money on the death of the 
member, also requires the party to pay all assessments against 
him within ten days after notice thereof, or the certificate shall 
be null and void, and the by-laws of the society provide that a 
party failing to pay his assessments within ten days after notice 


WATCHMEN. 


467 


shall forfeit his membership and all benefits therefrom, and the 
party, in his application for membership, agreed to be bound 
by the rules and regulations of the society, a failure or neglect 
to pay an assessment within ten days after notice of the same 
will prevent any recovery upon the certificate after his death, 
unless there is shown a waiver of the forfeiture, or facts estop- 
ping the society from insisting upon the same. 

Illinois Mason’s Benevolent Society vs. Baldwin, 86 III., 479. 

6 . After the right of a member of a benevolent society to 
the payment of money on his death had been forfeited, and 
the local agent had made return of the receipts for non-pay- 
ment, the secretary sent them back to the agent for collection, 
stating that the time of payment could not be extended beyond 
a certain day. Payment was not made within the time desig- 
nated, but ten days afterwards r.he local agent forwarded the 
money, he having collected it by contributions as an act of 
kindness for the assured, which money was refused by the so- 
ciety, and returned and given back to the persons advancing it. 
Held, \ that there was no waiver of forfeiture. 

Illinois Mason’s Benevolent Society vs. Baldwin, 86 ///., 479. 

When a party in default in the payment of assessments 
against him, as a member of a benevolent society, has not been 
induced by the society, or its agents, to do, or to omit to do, 
any act which he would not otherwise have done or omitted, 
the society will not be estopped from insisting upon a forfeiture 
of his rights for his neglect to pay. — Ibid. 

WATCHERS. 

See Bv-Law, Relief Committee, Etc. 

1. Where a Lodge has no by-laws in relation to watchers for a sick 
brother, such watchers are not required to be furnished to every brother who is sick. 

Pro. G. L. Mich., 1881, p. 21. 

WATCHMEN. 

1. The Inside Watchman and the Outside Watchman are, except in N. Y., 
elective officers of the Lodge. 

See Officers. 


468 


WORKING TOOLS. 


2. The Watchmen shall perform such duties as are re- 
quired of them by the laws, rules and regulations of the Order. 

Art. X, § 9, 'Sub. L. Const. 

3. Inside Watchman, duties of It is the duty of the Inside Watchman 
to receive and report to the Foreman the name of each member applying for 
admission, with the name and number of his Lodge before receiving the **** 
****; and to communicate to the Outside Watchman such instructions as may be 
from time to time directed by the Master Workman. 

4. Outside Watchman, duties of. It is the duty of the Outside Watch- 
man to take charge of the outer door and reception room; to see that none enter 
who are not members and duly qualified; to use every precaution to prevent 
persons who are not members of the Order from obtaining unlawful informa- 
tion; to never allow more than one brother to enter at a time; and see that each 
brother clothes himself in appropriate regalia before he applies for admission at 
the inner door. 

Dig., 1st Ed., par. 450, 451. 

See Passwords. 

WITHDRAWAL AND WITHDRAWAL CARD. 

See Final Card, Clearance Card. 

WORKING TOOLS. 

1. Working tools, samples of, to be displayed. Samples of the work- 
ing tools adopted by the Supreme Lodge for the use of Subordinate Lodges 
shall be exposed at each session of the Supreme Lodge, for the benefit of the 
representatives. 

Pro <\th Ann. Sess. S L , p. 199. 






















FORM OF DEDICATION 




OF AN 


U. W. HALL. 


PREPARED BY P. G. M. W. WM. H. BARNES, OF CALIFORNIA. 


The Audience having been assembled in the hall,' the M. W. in his station, the 
officials of the G. L . will enter . As they do so 

M. W. — The audience will please rise. (. Audience rises.) 

The Grand Officers will form a line facing the M. IV. after they enter, the 
G. Af. IV. in the center. 

Grand Guide. — Master Workman, I have the honor to introduce to you the 
G. M. W. officers and members of the Grand Lodge of 

M. IV — Brethren, you are welcome. Your appearance at this time fills our 
hearts with joy. What is your will and pleasure ? 

G. M. IV. — Master Workman, in response to your invitation, we present our- 
selves for the purpose of dedicating to the principles of Charity, Hope, and 
Protection this hall, which has been erected under your supervision. Are you 
prepared and ready for the ceremonies ? 

All answer. — We are. 

M. IV. — Grand Master Workman, as the head of the Order in the jurisdic- 
tion of you will please take this chair, and I surrender 

into your hands this gavel, the emblem of authority. 

{Grand Master Workman advances to chair, takes the gavel, and says .*) 

G. M. W. — The audience will please be seated. The Grand Officers will take 
their appropriate stations. 

( The audience is seated; the Grand Officers go to their several positions.) 

M. W. {rises.) — G. M. W., we meet upon this occasion to announce to you 
that our work of building has been completed; that our lodge-room (or hall) is 
ready for occupancy, and we request that you will formally and officially dedicate 
the same, that all men may know and realize that the A. O. U. W. has here a hab- 
itation and a home. We will not allude to its fitness for the work, or its appro- 
priateness for the mission in which we are engaged. Neither would it be proper 


472 


APPENDIX. 


for the committee to speak of its own labors, or give opinions upon beauty, pro- 
portions or surroundings. These must be their own orators and speak for them- 
selves. Suffice it to say, our work is done; it has been a labor of love, and we 
fraternally request that you will accept this hall, the result of that labor, for 
dedication. 

G. M. IV. — Master Workman of Lodge, No. . . ., I accept, 

for dedication, this beautiful hall. In truth, it does speak for itself, and is a fra- 
ternal monument not only to the kindly hands that erected, and the warm hearts 
that conceived the same, but to every member of your Lodge. Such deeds as 
these live forever, even when those who executed them have passed away to the 
land of the hereafter. Men appear and disappear, but principles keep on for- 
ever, and generations yet to come will bless the names of those who beneath 
this roof-tree illustrated in their lives the great principles of the A. O. U. W. 

It is meet and proper always to invite the blessing of the Supreme Ruler of 
the Universe upon every good work; therefore all will please rise while the P. 
G. M. W. offers prayer. 

(Audience rises.) 

P. G. Af. W. — Our Father in Heaven, a wise man hath said “ Unless God 
builds, he builds in vain who buildeth,” and recognizing the great truth that only 
by Thy blessing can there be legitimate prosperity and happiness, we, Thy 
creatures, humbly invoke Thy presence at this time, and the smile of Thy ap- 
proval upon this enterprise, and the Order that is here represented. Let Thy 
mercy and love surround all who are present — our brethren throughout the 
globe — and every individual of every clime who is working to elevate and enno- 
ble humanity. May the exercises of this hour be good, and good only, leaving 
an influence not only for the benefit of us who are present, but for the honor 
and glory of Thy great name. Amen. ( All respond , Amen.) 

G. M. W. — The audience will please be seated, (Audience is seated.) Grand 
Guide, you will conduct the Grand Overseer to the altar, that he may dedicate 
this hall to Charity. 

The Grand Guide goes to the chair of the G. 0., takes that officer by the arm , 
and presents him to the right of the altar. G. G. resumes his Scat. 

\ 

Grand Overseer. — In the name of the A. O. U. W., I dedicate this hall to the 
great principle of Charity , which is but another name for Love , and as this grace 
comes from the hand of the Creator, free for all, even as the pure refreshing 
water that fills the clouds, and covers the earth with its rills, lakes and streams, 
of which this is a feeble emblem (sprinkling water from a goblet), so may the 
teachings of Charity permeate the hearts of the brethren, and go forth to bless 
and make glad all by whom they are surrounded. 


APPENDIX. 


473 


Response , by the brethren. — Faith, Hope, and Charity, these three, but the 
greatest of these is Charity. 

G M. IV. Grand Guide, you will conduct the Grand Foreman to the altar, 
that he may dedicate this hall to Hope. 

(G. G. does so, placing G. F. to left of altar. G. G. returns to station .) 

Grand Foreman. — In the name of the A. O. U. W. I dedicate this hall to the 
ennobling attribute of Hope , that cardinal virtue which inspires to action in this 
life, and gives promise of eternal happiness in the land beyond the dark valley 
of death. May its loving presence ever dwell richly among the brethren of this 
Lodge to sustain, incite and encourage them, and as that which is everlasting is 
typified by this evergreen {placing evergreen on altar), so may Hope dwell con- 
tinually beneath this roof-tree. 

Response by all. Thrice blessed Hope, minister of mercy, be ever present as 
our guest. 

Grand M. IV., comes down from his station and advances to altar; as he does 
so, P. G. M. IV. advances to the other side of altar and faces G. M. IV. 

G. M. IV. — In the name of the A. O. U. W. I dedicate this hall to Protec- 
tion, that practical virtue which defends the weak, and shields the widow and 
the orphan from want and destitution, and as here I place upon the altar the 
pledge of our Order to its members {placing a beneficiary certificate on the altar), 
for myself and for our great brotherhood throughout the world, I renew the vows 
to faithfully do unto others as we would others should do unto us. 

The four officers join .hands around the altar. 

And as this fraternal hand-clasp symbolizes an unbroken chain, so does the 
Order throughout the world represent a protecting cordon of warm hearts and 
hands, whose duty it is to relieve distress, congratulate in prosperity, defend 
and protect in adversity. The audience will please rise {all rise). 

G. 0 — I proclaim this hall dedicated to Charity. 

G. F. — I proclaim this hall dedicated to Hope. 

G. M. IV. — By the authority in me vested, and in the name and behalf of the 

Grand Lodge, Ancient Order of United Workmen, of the State of , 

I proclaim this hall well and truly set apart for the dissemination of the princi- 
ples of our Order, and for the illustration of the great virtues of 

{All of the brethren .) — Charity, Hope, and Protection. 

( The link of hands is broken.) 

P. G. M. IV. — Our Father in Heaven, we beseech Thee to bless the work in 
which we have just been engaged. May the principles to which this hall has 


474 


APPENDIX. 


been dedicated be ever present in our hearts, and wilt Thou so order our lives 
that we may illustrate them during the days that may be vouchsafed to us here 
on earth. Bless the Order here, the families, and the community represented. 
May love, peace and prosperity be their portion. May they be zealous in good 
works, and of benefit to their fellow-men, ever ready with the word of sympathy, 
cheer and encouragement. Bless this edifice in the furtherance of that which is 
good and seemly in Thy sight. Be with our brethren throughout the globe, and 
may all the works of this Order and its members be to the honor and glory of 
Thy Holy Name. Amen. 

{All respond — Amen.) 

G. AT. IV . , and other officers return to their positions ( all standing). 

G. AT. W. — Grand Guide, you will make the necessary proclamation. 

Grand Guide. — Hear, all men. It has been duly and lawfully proclaimed by 
the solemn act of the Grand Officers of the Grand Lodge of the jurisdiction of 
, that this hall is set apart to Charity, Hope, and Protec- 
tion, and I, therefore, in this presence, announce that the hall of 

Lodge, No is dedicated now, henceforth, and forever, to the uses and pur- 

poses of the A. O. U. W. 

G. AT. IV. — Now, henceforth, and forever, to these great principles, this hall 
is solemnly dedicated. 

All respond — So be it. 

At the end of the dedication the AT. W. or AT aster of Ceremonies will take the 
chair , and , the audience being seated , the G. AT. W. will deliver an address , etc. 


CEREMONY 


TO BE OBSERVED BY 

GRAND LODGES OF THE A. 0. U. W. 

ON LAYING THE CORNER OR MEMORIAL STONE OF A 
HALL DEDICATED TO LODGE PURPOSES. 


PREPARED BY SAMUEL BOOTH, P. M. W. 


The brethren shall assemble around the place where the stone is to be laid, 
wearing the badges or regalia of the Order, and if in sufficient numbers, mem- 
bers of the Grand Lodge and those eligible thereto shall form an inner circle, 
and members of Subordinate Lodges an outer one; and if not in sufficient num- 
bers, then all but the Grand Officers and those actively participating in the cere- 
monies shall form in one circle. The Grand Master shall then direct the Grand 
Recorder to call the roll, the Grand Guide (who shall officiate as master of cere- 
monies) responding for the Grand Officers, who, as their names are called, will 
take their positions as in the Grand Lodge. 

{Formula, when all are in position .) 

G. M. W . — The Past Grand Master Workman will offer prayer. 

P. G. M. W . — Almighty Father, the Architect and Builder of the universe: 
We thank Thee that the curse entailed on labor by man’s disobedience has been 
so mitigated by that brotherly affection which prompts us to bear one another’s 
burdens. We pray that this building, whose memorial stone we lay this day, 
may be devoted only to good and useful purposes; that in it may be taught and 
perpetuated those principles of good and true Workmanship which shall elevate 
and ennoble all who labor therein; and that from it may be spread abroad an 
influence which shall be for the benefit of man and the glory of God. — Amen. 


476 


APPENDIX. 


The following “Ode to Fraternity” (tune of “ Hollingside ”) may then be 
sung : 

From the cold and silent earth 
Hail we now our temple’s birth; 

Beam and rafter here we raise, 

In our Order’s lasting praise. 

Spire and dome, behold them rise, 

Towering grandly to the skies, 

While we sing in ecstasy 
In thy praise, Fraternity. 

Here, may every grace abound, 

Here, sweet peace be ever found; 

Here, may love our spirits bind, 

Weakness here Protection find. 

All our hearts rejoice this day, 

As in Hope this stone we lay; 

And we sing exultingly 

In thy praise, sweet Charity. — Amen. 

G. M. W . — Grand Recorder, you will now deposit the records and memorials 
in the place provided to receive them. 

G. R . — (Advancing and placing the memorials and records in the casket.) 
Within this casket, to be inclosed in this memorial stone, we deposit these 

records and memorials of Lodge. And when this building shall have 

realized all our hopes concerning it, and it shall be taken down, perhaps to be 
replaced by a nobler structure, and when we who participate in these ceremonies 
shall have been removed from our sphere of labor, and these tokens shall have 
been discovered by a worthier generation who shall take our place, may they 
bear witness to the exalted hopes and the pure motives which govern us as we 
now consign them to their resting place. 

G. M. W . — Grand Overseer, you will now perform your part in the ceremony. 

G. 0 . — (Advancing and spreading the mortar under the stone.) We spread 
the mortar under this stone, that it may be so firmly cemented to its fellow 
that neither raging storm nor earthquake shock, nor the corroding tooth of time 
itself, shall be able to disjoin them. May it be emblematic of the fraternal 
affection which shall ever unite the brethren of this Lodge and the whole Order, 
that neither misfortune within nor disorder without, nor lapse of years, shall be 
able to disunite them. 

(The G. M. W. will now place the stone in position.) 

G. M. IV . — Grand Foreman, you will now discharge the duty allotted to you 
in the ceremony. 

G. F . — (Advancing and adjusting the stone with plumb and square and level.) 
As this stone is plumb and square and level, may it symbolize the characteristics 
of a good Workman. May our conduct towards each other and our fellow-men 


APPENDIX. 


477 


be upright; may all our dealings with each other and the world be honest; and 
may no consideration swerve us from the plane of moral rectitude. 

G. AT. IV . — (Advancing and striking the stone on each corner with his gavel.) 
I now declare this stone to be well and truly laid. May the structure that shall 

rise hereon be a lasting monument to the wisdom, skill and energy of 

Lodge, No. . May peace and charity be ever found exerting their salutary 

influence within its walls, and may that influence be so diffused that it shall be 
a blessing to the Lodge, the Order, and humanity. 

The choir will now sing the ode to Charity. 

“ Charity.” — Music from the “ Arion.” 

Sweet Charity, 

When the woes of the world and the weight of care 
Make the burden of life more than mortal can bear, 

She comes like an angel the load to share — 

Sweet Charity. 

Sweet Charity, 

When sorrow and sickness have laid us low. 

And the heart is in anguish with grief and woe, 

She touches with healing the throbbing brow — 

Sweet Charity. 

Sweet Charity, 

When life’s fitful fever at last is o’er, 

And the hands of affection can help us no more, 

She pilots the way to the heavenly shore — 

Sweet Charity — yes, sweet Charity. 

G. A/. IV. — The brethren will join hands while the Past Grand Master Work- 
man invokes the Divine blessing. 

P. G. AT. IV. — Our Heavenly Father, without whose aid the builder’s work is 
vain, we pray Thy blessing on the work this day begun, and as it shall progress, 
grant unto it Thy continued favor and protection, that no untoward accident nor 
incident may hinder its successful completion. We pray Thy blessing on all the 
brethren here assembled, on the officers and members of every Lodge, Supreme, 
Grand and Subordinate. Bind us together in the performance of every good 
work, to the honor and upbuilding of our Order and the glory of Thy name. 
Amen. 


FORMS OF BLANKS IN USE. 


[Form No. i ] 

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP. 

To the officers and members of Lodge, No A. O. 

U. W : 

Having formed a favorable opinion of your Order, and appreciating its bene- 
fits, I desire (if found worthy) to become a member of your Lodge. 

Age, .... years. Occupation, Residence, ... 

Signature, 


Referred to 

Bro 

Bro ... 

Bro 

The committee, to whom was 
referred the foregoing petition, 
report . . . .favorable. 


Recommended by 

Bro 

Bro 


j- Committee. 

J 


[Form No. 2.] 

ANCIENT ORDER OF UNITED WORKMEN. 

BENEFICIARY DEPARTMENT. 

Application for a Beneficiary Certificate. 


To Lodge, A. O. U. W. : 

I, having made application for the M. W. Degree, 

in Lodge, No Ancient Order of United Work- 
men, State of , do hereby agree that compliance on my part 


with all the laws, regulations and requirements which are or may be hereafter 
enacted by said Order is the express condition upon which I am to be entitled 
to participate in the beneficiary fund, and have and enjoy all the other benefits 
and privileges of said Order. 

I certify that the answers made by me to the questions propounded by the 
medical examiner of this Lodge, which are attached to this application and form 
a part thereof, are true. 

I further agree that the certificate to be issued hereon shall have no binding 
force whatever until I shall take the M. W. degree of said Order, and until 

countersigned by the Master Workman and Recorder of said 

Lodge, No. . . . 


APPENDIX. 


479 


I hereby authorize and direct that the amount to which I may be entitled of 

said beneficiary fund, shall, at my death, be paid to 

bearing relationship to me of 

Date,.. . 1 8 ... Applicant. 

[seal.] Attest: Recorder of 

.-.Lodge, No. . . ., A. O. U. W. 

Located at 

■State of 

Note. — Insert full name, residence and relationship of the payee. Give the name of each party 
in full, in all cases, plainly written, so that no mistake may occur. If the beneficiary fund is di- 
rected to be paid to more than one person, state the amount which each payee shall receive. 


[Form No. 3 .] 

BENEFICIARY CERTIFICATE. 

SUPREME LODGE, ANCIENT ORDER OF UNITED WORKMEN. 

No $ 

This certificate, issued by the authority of the Supreme Lodge of the Ancient 

Order of United Workmen, witnesseth : That brother a 

Master Workman degree member of Lodge, No of 

said Order, located at , in , is entitled 

to all the rights and privileges of membership in the Ancient Order of United 
Workmen, and to participate in the beneficiary fund of the Order to the amount 
of two thousand dollars, which sum shall, at his death, be paid to 

This certificate is issued upon the express condition that said 

shall, in every particular, while a member of said Order, comply with all the 
laws, rules, and requirements thereof. 

In witness whereof, the said Supreme Lodge, A. O. U. W.,has 
caused this to be signed by its Supreme Master Workman and 

[seal.] Recorder, and the seal thereof to be attached this 

day of one thousand, eight hundred 

and 

Attest : Supreme Master Workman. 

Supreme Recorder. 

We, the undersigned Master Workman and Recorder of 

Lodge, No , do hereby countersign 

[seal.] this certificate and attach the seal of this Lodge hereto, rendering 

the same valid and in full force, this day of 

. 18 

Attest : Master Workman. 

, Recorder. 

Note. — S ee note to Form 2 ante . 


480 


APPENDIX 


[Form No. 4] 

APPLICATION FOR CHANGE OF DIRECTION OF BENEFICIARY 

CERTIFICATE. 


I, to whom the within certificate was issued, do 

hereby revoke my former direction as to the payment of the beneficiary fund 
due at my death, and now authorize and direct such payment to be made to 

, bearing relationship to myself of 

Witness my hand and seal this day of 18 .... . 

[seal.] 

[seal.] Attest : Recorder. 


It is suggested that on the taking of a final card the member withdrawing from 
the Order should execute a relinquishment or release according to the follow- 
ing form: 

I, the undersigned , being desirous of severing my con- 

nection with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, do hereby surrender this 
beneficiary certificate, and do annul, renounce and quit-claim all benefits, privi- 
leges, property, rights and claims I may have acquired by virtue of my member- 
ship in said Order, or by this certificate, for myself or for the beneficiaries therein 
named. 

Witness my hand and seal this day of 18 

[seal.] 


Signed in presence of 


[Form No. 5.] 

ASSESSMENT NOTICE. 

Assessment No... 
Lodge, No 


a. o. u. w. 

18. . . .. 

Bro 

You are hereby notified of the death of Bro 

of Lodge, No , of , who 

died day of 18. . ., aged years; cause 

of death, Also of Bro of 

Lodge, No , of , who 

died the day of , 18 aged years; 

cause of death, 


APPENDIX. 


481 


The above were Master Workmen in 
benefits of the Order. 

The above assessments must be paid 
otherwise you stand suspended from all 
Order. 


Received payment. 


good standing, and entitled to all the 

on or before the 28th of this month, 
benefits of the beneficiary fund of the 

Financier. 


[Form No. 6 ] 

The following is a form of card to be issued to members of defunct Lodges : 
ANCIENT ORDER UNITED WORKMEN. 

CLEARANCE CARD. 

This is to Certify, That Brother was a 

Master Workman Degree Member, in good standing, of Lodge, 

No , A. O. U. W., located at .County of and 

State of now defunct. That proper application for this card 

has been made, and that he has paid all liabilities against him to the General 

Fund of the Grand Lodge of up to day of 

. . . 18 He is entitled to all the benefits of the Order, and 

subject to all the requirements thereof. 

Beneficiary assessments against him to be paid to the Grand Lodge of 

until he shall be admitted to membership in some Subordinate 

Lodge. 

In Testimony Whereof, The Grand Master Workman and 
Grand Recorder of said Grand Lodge inscribe their names 

hereto, and affix the seal thereof, this day of 

[seal] ,18 

Of Sup. or Grand Lodge. 

Grand Master Workman. 

Grand Recorder. 

Countersigned [Sig. of member.] 

Notes.— O n the deposit of this card in the Subordinate Lodge, official notice must be given at 
once to the Grand Recorder of the Grand Lodge granting it. 

Stub with form for return certificate, etc., to be attached. 

The Investigating Committee, before reporting on the admission of the brother to mem- 
bership on deposit of this card, must correspond with the Grand Recorder of the 
Grand Lodge granting the same, and receive notice that all assessments against the 
brother have been paid. 

31 


482 


APPENDIX. 


[Form No. 7.] 

ANCIENT ORDER UNITED WORKMEN. 


CLEARANCE CARD. 

[ Seal of Supreme Lodge.] 

This is to Certify, That Brother is a Master Workman 

Degree Member in good standing of ... Lodge, No , 

A. O. U. W., located at County of 

and State of Being desirous of withdrawing from this 

Todge, for the purpose of joining another, he has paid all liabilities against him 

to the general fund of the Lodge up to day of 18 

He is entitled to all the benefits of the Order, and subject to all the requirements 
thereof. 

Beneficiary assessments against him to be paid to this Lodge until he shall be 
admitted to membership in another Lodge. 

In testimony whereof, the Master Workman and 
Recorder of said Lodge inscribed their names 

[Seal of Subordinate Lodge.] hereto and affixed the seal thereof, this 

day of 18 

Master Workman. 


Recorder. 


Note. — The investigating committee, before reporting on the admission of the brother to 
membership on deposit of this card, must correspond with the Lodge granting the same, and 
receive notice that all assessments against the brother have been paid. 


[Form No. 8 ] 
FINAL CARD. 


[Seal of Supreme Lodge.] 
Lodge, No A. O. U. W., of 


State of 

Be it Known to All Whom it May Concern, That our well-beloved brother 

. Lodge. No , of the 

A. O. U. W. of the State of , being desirous of receiving a 

final card, and severing his connection with the Order, having honorably paid 
up all demands against him in dues to this Lodge and the beneficiary fund, the 
same is hereby granted, and he hereby relinquishes all his rights and privileges 
to the same. 


[Seal of Subordinate Lodge.] 


Given under our hands and the seal of this 
Lodge, this day of iS 


M. W. 

, Recorder. 


Name of brother receiving card. 


APPENDIX. 


483 


[Form No. 9.] 

A O. U. W. BOND. 

We, , as principal, and .. .. , 

as sureties, are held and firmly bound unto Master 

Workman of Lodge, No Ancient Order of United 

Workmen, located at , in the County of 

and State of , and his successor in office, in trust for the use 

and benefit of said Lodge, in the penal sum of dollars, well 

and truly to be paid ; we bind ourselves, our heirs, etc., jointly and severally, 
this .... day of 18 

7 he condition of this obligation is, that the said 

has been duly elected of said Lodge for the term com- 
mencing day of 18 ..... and until his successor 

shall be elected and installed. 

Now if the said shall truly and faithfully discharge 

and perform all the duties required of him by the laws and regulations of the 
said Ancient Order of United Workmen, and of said Lodge; and shall faithfully 
account for and pay over, as required by said laws and regulations, all money 
and property belonging to such Lodge, which may come to his hands, as 

as aforesaid, and shall also comply with the following 

•condition : “ The beneficiary fund which may come into my hands shall be pre- 

served by me, intact, and paid over by me as the law of the Order directs, and 
in no case shall any claim which I may have against the Order be settled or 
pleaded by me as an offset against the collection from me of any of said fund, by 
suit on this bond;” then this obligation is to be void, else to remain in full force. 


[Form No. 10.] 

MEDICAL EXAMINER’S REPORT. 

On application of for membership in Lodge, 

2 ^o A. O. U. W., located at State of , made 

■this day of tS 

1. Name of Applicant in full. 

2. Residence r Postoffice, County and State. 

3. a. Occupation, b. Age. 

4. Date of birth. 

5. Married or single. 

6 . State the approximate weight, height, figure, general appearance, and 

measurement of chest on forced expiration and forced inspiration. 


484 


APPENDIX. 


7. Is the party at this time in his ordinary state of health ? 

8. Has the party ever been abroad, or in any other State for the benefit of 

his health? If so, when, where, and for what period? 

9. A. State the number of respirations per minute in a recumbent and stand- 

ing position. 

b. Is the respiratory murmur clear and distinct over both lungs? 

c. If not, state in medical terms the quality of the respiration in each of 

the above named positions. 

10. A. Is the character of the heart’s action free, uniform, and steady ? 

b. Are its sounds and rhythm regular and normal ? 

c. Are there any indications of disease of this organ or of the blood ves- 

sels ? 

D. If so, state the full extent and location of the disease. 
it. A. Rate of pulse while.sitting. 

B. Rate of pulse while standing. 

C. Does it intermit, or become irregular or unsteady ? 

D. If so, is it due to organic or functional disturbance? 

12. Is the person subject to cough, expectoration, or difficulty of breathing? 

13. Is there anything in his speech, looks, gait, or manner of conducting him- 

self, that would lead you to suspect that the party had any disease, 
organic or functional, of the brain, or of any other portion of his nervous 
system, or any predisposition thereto? 

14. Are the functions of the abdominal and urinary organs in a healthy con- 

dition ? 

Note. — In all cases if he has at any previous time suffered from symptoms refeiable to, 
the kidneys, the urine should be submitted to the ordinary tests for albumen by heat and 
nitric acid, and the report here given. 

15. Have his parents, brothers or sisters, been afflicted with consumption, 

scrofula, insanity, cancer, or rheumatism ? 

16. A. Are the parents of the party living ? 

B. If so, how old are they ? 

c. What is the state of their health ? 

D. If not living, at what ages, and of what diseases did they die? 

17. A. Have you ever used intoxicating liquors ? 

b. If so, state whether daily or occasionally, and explicitly to what extent. 

C. Are you now in the daily habit of using intoxicating liquors ? 

d. If so, how many times daily ? 

e. Have you ever been intoxicated ? 

F. If so, when last? 

G. Do you use morphine or opium in any form ? 

H. Do you use tobacco ? 


APPENDIX. 


485 


18. Have you ever been predisposed to, or had, any of the following diseases 
or infirmities?: 

Apoplexy, 

Asthma, 

Bronchitis, or habitual cough, 

Cancer, or any tumor, 

Consumption, 

C«lic, 

Constipation of bowels, 

Diseases of the brain, 

Diseases of the heart, 

Diseases of the liver. 

Diseases of the bladder, 

Diseases of the kidneys, 

Dizziness, 

Discharges from ear, 

Dropsy, 

Diarrhoea, 

Delirium tremens, 

A. Rupture. 

b. What from ? 

c. Do you wear a truss, and does it retain the rupture perfectly ? 

d. Has it ever become strangulated ? 

iq. Have you ever met with any accident or personal injury, or undergone 
any surgical operation ? 

20. Has any physician given an unfavorable opinion upon your life with ref- 

erence to life insurance, or otherwise ? If so, state particulars. 

21. Name the residence of the party’s usual medical attendant, or the medi- 

cal attendant of his family, to be referred to for information as to his 
health. 

22. Name and residence of intimate friend, to be referred to for similar infor- 

mation. 

23. Do you consider the applicant’s life to be safely insurable, and do you 

recommend that a certificate be granted ? 

24. Are the above answers made from personal examination, and from ques- 

tions propounded to the applicant ? 

Having carefully examined Mr in accordance with 

the above blank form, and having thoroughly considered the statements made 
therein, I hereby certify, that in my judgment as a physician, he is of sound 
bodily health, and that there exists no indication of disease, either from parent- 
age or personal habits, that should debar him from participating in the bene- 


Dysentery, 

Dyspepsia, 

Erysipelas, 

Eruptions or diseases of the skin 
Fistula, 

Fits or convulsions, 

Frequent desire to urinate, 
General debility. 

Gout, 

Gravel, 

Headaches, frequent or severe, 
Insanity, 

Jaundice, 

Lumps or swelling in any part 
of the body, 

Open sores, 

Pneumonia, 


Pains in back, frequent or severe, 
Pleurisy, 

Paralysis, 

.Piles, 

Rheumatism, 

Rupture, 

Small-pox, 

Spinal complaints, 

Spitting or raising blood, or other 
hemorrhage, 

Swelling of the feet, hands or 
eye-lids, 

Stricture of the urethra, 
Syphilis, 

Scrofula, 

Varicose veins, 

Fevers of any kind. 


486 


APPENDIX. 


ficiary fund of the Order. I therefore recommend him as physically qualified 
for membership in the Order. 

Medical Examiner. 

For Lodge, No 

Graduated from College in the year 18. . . and now a 

member of County Medical Society. 

We, the undersigned, a duly appointed committee on the application of. .... . 

an applicant for membership in this Lodge, have 

carefully examined the above report of our Medical Examiner, and fully en- 
dorse his recommendation. 



Committee - 


TO THE MEDICAL EXAMINER. 

It is evident, upon the least reflection, that in order to give success to this 
Order, to secure to the members the prospective advantages of their relations to 
the Order, and to inspire and deserve the confidence of the community, none but 
lives selected with the greatest care and deliberation should be admitted to mem- 
bership. 

No Lodge having a due regard for its interests and reputation, as a part of the 
organization, desires questionable risks, and no medical examiner is doing the 
Order a service in accepting risks which are at all doubtful; he may be adding 
by such means to the number of membership, but he is weakening the force of 
the institution for good by increasing the assessments to an amount greater than 
ordinary risks would warrant. 

Upon the judgment and discrimination of the medical examiner in selecting 
good risks much depends. The committee of investigation may make full and 
sufficient inquiry as regards moral standing, temperate habits, etc., but if the 
medical examiner, upon whose judgment and integrity the Lodge relies, is care- 
less in his examination, and but slightly impressed with the giave i 7 nportance of 
his duties in guarding the Order against the acceptance of hazardous risks, all the 
efforts of the officers and members of the Order are rendered nugatory. 

The medical examiner should feel the great responsibility of his position, 
knowing that, in his capacity as inspector of all the material out of which our 
fabric is being composed, he can readily leave the impress, either of his consci- 
entious care or his carelessness, upon the structure; each first-class risk he ac- 
cepts, building up and strengthening it, while each hazardous one weakens and 
tends to destroy. 


APPENDIX. 


487 


APPROVED INSTRUCTIONS TO MEDICAL EXAMINERS. 

Causes of Rejection : 

First — Where the family history is such that from it alone the applicant is con- 
sidered to be predisposed to the disease of which his parents died, as for instance, 
where the death of both parents was the result of consumption or other hered- 
itary disease. 

Second — Where one parent and a number of brothers or. sisters, or other rela- 
tives, have so died, conjoined with personal predisposition to the disease. 

Third — Where the applicant has been affected with apoplexy, epilepsy, hered- 
itary insanity, symptoms of softening of the brain, gout, irreducible hernia, dis- 
ease of the spine, important tumors, calculus, secondary syphilis, permanent 
stricture, and amputations at the shoulder joint, or above the knee, after the 
age of forty. 

Fourth — Where the applicant has been affected with and not fully recovered 
from paralysis, loss of sensation and voluntary motion, fistula, rheumatism, 
disease of the kidneys, bladder, etc. 

Fifth — Where there is permanent intermittance and irregularity of the heart’s 
action, abnormal sounds in this organ, symptoms of hypertrophy of heart, 
aneurism and ossification of the blood vessels, habitual cough, difficulty of 
breathing, or asthma, connected with organic lesions. 

Sixth — If the pulse be persistently over ninety, after repeated trials without 
excitement, and the respiration be not in ratio with the pulse of one to four or 
five. 

Seventh — Diseases of the digestive organs materially affecting the health or 
weight of the person, psoas lumbar or spinal abscess, hip-joint disease, unless a 
long period of cure has elapsed, the existence of an open ulcer, scrofula, and 
frequent attacks of erysipelas. 

Eighth — Cancer or other malignant disease, and where, after any illness, its 
effects are perceptible in loss of vigor in the constitution, thereby predisposing 
to renewed attacks of the same malady. 

Ninth — In different occupations the mortality successively rises in the classes 
of shoemakers, miners, bakers and butchers, to meet its maximum in the tavern- 
keepers or bar-tenders, in whom it is about two-thirds greater than in the laborer. 
We need say nothing to increase the significance of these facts, or to add to the 
care with which, in examining a member of the liquor dealing class, you are 
bound to inquire into his immunity from that intemperance to which his calling 
so peculiarly tempts him, and to which this very great additional risk is. no 
doubt, chiefly due, and, therefore, it should be deemed sufficient cause for rejec- 
tion unless immunity is proven. 


488 


APPENDIX. 


To 


[Form No. na.] 

DEATH REPORT.— A. O. U. W. 


, Recorder of the 

....A. O. U. W.: 


18. . 

Lodge No. . . . 
Lodge of 


Dear Sir and Brother : 

We, the undersigned officers of Lodge, No A. O. U. W., 

of do hereby certify to the death of our brother 

who was aged . .years, on the. . . .day of 18. . . . Said date 

being the last anniversary of his birth prior to his death. He died on the 

day of , 18. . . . His death was caused by 

He joined this Lodge by , on the. . . .day of 18 

The first beneficiary assessment paid by him was on the death notice of 

Brother assessment No ; the last assessment 

paid was on the death of Brother . . . , assessment No. . . . 

Brother . . was a M. W. member in good standing in our 

Lodge, and was not suspended from the Order for dues, and has paid all 
assessments for “beneficiary fund” charged against him up to the date of his 
death. 

Having examined carefully the financial books and records of this Lodge, and 

under our obligations as Master Workmen, we hereby report Brother 

entitled to participate in the “ beneficiary fund ” under our laws. 

His beneficiary certificate is No. . . ., and is payable to 

Name and residence of wife (if payable to her) 

Names and ages of each child (if payable to children), and residence of each. . 


Name and residence of payee (if not payable to wife or children) 


[seal.] 


Yours in C., H. & P., 

, Master Workman. 

, Financier. 

, Recorder. 


[Form No. nb.] 

ANCIENT ORDER OF UNITED WORKMEN. 

MEDICAL PROOF OF LOSS, AND CAUSE OF DEATH. 

The undersigned was the attending physician in the last sickness of 

of , in the State of 

who died at , in the State of , on the 

of , 18 


day 


APPENDIX. 


489 


How long have you known deceased? 

Were you his attending physician prior to his last illness? 

How long was the deceased sick ? 

Of what disease did he die ? 

How do you know him to be the who was a member of 

Lodge, A. O. U. W.? 

Have you stated all the material facts relating to the sickness and death of 
deceased ? If not, do so. 

M. D. 

Personally appeared before me, the above-named and 

made oath that the foregoing statements and answers by him made are true to 
the best of his knowledge and belief. 


Sworn and subscribed, this day of 18. . . ., at 


[Form No. nc.] 

UNDERTAKER’S CERTIFICATE. 

I t , do hereby certify that I am an undertaker, re- 
siding at and as such undertaker I attended the funeral 

of and that he was interred in 

on the day of , 18. . . . 

Sworn and subscribed before me, this day of 18. . . . 


The affidavits should be taken before a notary public or a clerk of a 
court of record, or before a justice of the peace, the official character of the 
justice of the peace being certified to by the clerk of a court of record, under 
its seal. 


MONTHLY BENEFICIARY 


490 


APPENDIX 


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No. of 

M. W. in 

Good 

Standing 

at this 

Date. 


Date of conferring 
the M. W. Degree 

on members ad- 

mitted during the 
month. 

•JB3A 


•Xea 

•q5Uoj\[ 

Date of 
Renewal of B. 

Cert, by 
Reinstatement. 

•JB3A 


•Xbq 

*qiuoj\[ 

•j.ssb jo *ojq 

Date of 
Annulling B. 
Cert, by 
Expulsion. 

•JE3 A 


•Xbq 


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— 

•j^ssb JO *OJ^ 

Date of 
Withdrawal. 

UB3 \ 

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•Xbq 

•qjuoj\[ 

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Date of 
Suspension. 

•JB3A 


•Xbq 

•qiuojv 

•J SSB JO ‘O^ 

No. of 

Certificate. 

— — - 

Name of Brother 
holding Benefi- 
ciary C e r t i f i - 
cate. 



APPENDIX. 


491 


[Form No. 13.] 
a. o. u. w. 

BENEFICIARY RETURN. 

F rom Lodge No. .. . On Assessment No ... 

Date 18. . . . 

Beneficiary fund paid on last report $ 

M. W. in good standing at last report 

M. W. degree conferred since last report 

M. W. reinstated “ “ “ 

M. W. admitted by card “ “ “ 

Total 

M. W. suspended rince last report: 

1st. For non-payment of dues 

2d. For non-payment of assessments 

M. W. withdrawn 'since last , report 

M. W. died “ “ “ 

Total 

M. W. in good standing at this date 

M. W. not liable on this call 

Beneficiary due on membership in good standing $ 

Deposit of M. W. died, finally withdrawn, or suspended for non- 
payment of dues $ 

Back beneficiary received on reinstated members. ... : $ 

Total beneficiary due on this report $ 

, Financier. 

Brother Grand Recorder: 

I hereby certify that the above is a correct report of the M. W. in good stand- 
ing in. . Lodge, No. .... as shown by the books of the Lodge. 

Inclosed please find $ in full on assessment No 

Please place the same to proper credit, and acknowledge receipt. 

Yours in C., H. and P., 

Attest: M. W. 

Recorder. 

BENEFICIARY RETURN. 

From Lodge, No Assessment No ,18.... No. 

M. W Amount of beneficiary paid, $ Received 18. . 

Remarks. , Grand Recorder. 

Names of M. W. not liable on this return, with date each received third degree. 
Names of persons suspended since last report, with dates. 

Names of perso/is reinstated since last report, with dates. 


492 


APPENDIX. 


[ Form No. 14.] 

ANCIENT ORDER OF UNITED WORKMEN. 


SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT 

of. Lodge, No State of 

the term ending , 18 

This Lodge meets in .Hall, on 

, County of State of 

OFFICERS FOR THE TERM 

ending 

P. M. W. 


M. W.,. 
Foreman, 
Recorder, 
Financier, 
Receiver, . 

G 

O. W., .. 


P. O. Address 

O., 

P. O. Address, 

P. O. Address, 

P. O. Address, 

I. W. ....... . 


MEMBERSHIP. 

Number members last report, 

initiated during the term, 

admitted by card during the term, 

reinstated during the term, 

Total 

From which deduct : 

Number withdrawn during the term, 

suspended “ “ 

expelled “ “ 

of deaths “ “ 

of rejections “ “ 

Present membership, . . . .' 

No. of M. W. Degree members at present, 

Per Capita Tax due Grand Lodge, $ 


for 

evening, in 


18 


FINANCIAL STATEMENT OF THE GENERAL FUND. 

Received from initiation and degrees, $ 

“ “ admission by card, 

“ “ fines, 

“ “ dues, 

“ other sources 

Total amount of receipts, $ 

Balance in hand of Receiver at last report, 


Total 


APPENDIX. 


493 


DISBURSEMENTS. 

Capita Tax due June 30, 18. $ 

“ December 31, 18...., 

Expended for sick benefits and charity, 

for incidental expenses, 

for excess on assessments, 

for supplies, 


Total, $ 

Balance in Receiver’s hands to date, 

Increase of fund, 

Decrease, . $ 


FINANCIAL STATEMENT OF THE BENEFICIARY FUND. 
The excess must not be included in tins . 


Balance on hand from assessment, 
Collected on assessment 


No. 

1 

2 

n 

j 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 


10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

17 

18 

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 


Reinstatements, 

Total, 

Total beneneficiary paid during the year 

is ..., 

Balance on hand 






494 


APPENDIX. 


Names of members whose beneficiary certificates were suspended during term, 
.and date of same. 

[This includes only beneficiary certificates that have not been held suspended 
for six months.] 

Names of members suspended from the Order, date and cause. 

[This includes all beneficiary ce.tificates held suspended for more than six 
months and any that have been annulled by expulsion of the member, and also 
such certificates as have been withdrawn for the purpose of joining another 
Lodge ] 

Names of members whose beneficiary certificates were reinstated during the 
ierm, and date of same. 

Names of candidates rejected and dates. 

Names of deceased members, and dates of same, during term. 

Names of candidates initiated. 

Admitted by card, date of admission and from what Lodge. 

Withdrawn by card, date of withdrawal and to what Lodge. 

Withdrawal on final card and date. 

Names of P. M. W. in good standing. 

[There must be two copies of this report properly made out and signed ; one 
-copy of which is to be filed in the Lodge, and one forwarded to the Supreme 
Recorder at once.] 

Having carefully examined the within semi-annual report, we do hereby cer- 
tify that it is correct. 

Enclosed please find $ per capita tax due (25c. semi-annually for each 

member) on members as shown by the enclosed report. 

In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and the seal of the Lodge 
this day of , 18 


Master Workman. 


Recorder. 

Note.— In the Subordinate Lodges under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge, tl e 
retiring Past Master Workman is authorized to install the officers elect, and the Lodge forwards 
Jthe per capita tax direct to the Supreme Recorder, accompanied by this report. 


APPENDIX 


495 


Sus. 

V II 

Rein’d. 

1 

* 

Sus. 

« 

Rein’d. 

cr 

■ 

Sus. 

s 

p 

Rein’d. 

3 : 

cr 

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[Form No. 15.] 

BENEFICIARY CERTIFICATE REGISTER BOOK. 


496 


APPENDIX, 


[Form No. 16 .] 

FINANCIERS’ ASSESSMENT BOOK. 



Names of Members. 


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APPENDIX 


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APPENDIX. 


[Form No. 19.] 

FINANCIER’S RECEIPT TO MEMBERS. 

Lodge, No , A. O. U. W. 

No *. 18.. 

Received from Bro 

Assessment No , $ 

Dues to , 18. & 

Total $ 

Financier. 


9 

[Form No. 20.] 

RECEIVER’S RECEIPT TO FINANCIER. 

A. O. U. W. 

No . . 

Received of. Financier of.. . 

Lodge, No A. O. U. W 

Beneficiary fund, $ General fund, $ 

$ 


, 18. . 


. . . Dollars. 
Receiver. 


[Form No. 21.] 

RECEIPT FOR DEATH BENEFIT. 


Received of the Supreme Lodge, Ancient Order of United Workmen, the sum 
of two thousand dollars, which sum is in full of all claim and demand existing 
under the within certificate. 

Witness ... .hand and seal this day of , 18.. 


WITNESS. 


[seal.] 

[seal.] 


[Form No. 22.] 

SUBORDINATE LODGE WARRANT. 

A. O. U. W. 

No 18. . 

Receiver of Lodge, No 

Ancient Order of United Workmen , 

Pay to , or order Dollars. 

M. W. 

R. 


APPENDIX 


499 


[Form No. 23.] 

FORMS ON TRIALS. 

As suggestions, and with the view of rendering assistance to Lodges in con- 
ducting trials, the following “ Forms” are given : 

CHARGE. 

To Lodge, No A. O. U. W. : 

Brother A B , a member of this Lodge, is hereby charged with 

immoral and unbecotning conduct. 

Specification 1. That the said A. B., on the. .... .day of , 18. . ., 

at , in the County of , State of 

did in violation of the laws of the Order and of his 

duties as a member thereof. 

18.... C D 

This form should be varied to suit the circumstances of each particular case. 
In some cases, immoral should be omitted and only unbecoming used ; in others, 
both may be used. Additional specifications should be inserted as the facts of 
the case require. The time, place and circumstances constituting the offense 
should be given, as far as possible, with precision and accuracy. 


[Form No. 24 ] 

NOTICE. 

Lodge, No , A. O. U. W. 

, 18. . . . 

Brother A B : 

At a stated meeting of this Lodge 18. . . ., the charge and 

specifications, a copy of which accompany this notice, were preferred against 
you, and I was directed to notify you that the same will be taken up for con- 
sideration by said Lodge at its meeting 18 ... . 

[l.s.] 

Recorder 

If the Lodge shall determine to appoint a committee, it should give, to the 
accuser and accused notice of the time and place fixed for the investigation, in 
substance as follows : 

[Form No. 25.] 

NOTICE OF HEARING. 


Brother : 

Having been appointed a committee, by Lodge, No 

A. O. U. W., to investigate the charges preferred by against 


500 


APPENDIX. 


you are hereby notified that we will proceed to do so, 

at on 18. . . when and where you will 

attend and produce your proofs and witnesses in relation to said charge. 
18. . . . 


[Form No. 26.] 


Committee. 


REPORT OF COMMITTEE. 

To Lodge, No , A. O. U. W.. 

The committee appointed to investigate the charges preferred by 

against , have attended to that duty, and respectfully report : 

The committee notified both parties that they would meet at 

on... 18 , to proceed with the investigation of said charge. A 

copy of said notice was handed to each party, as shown by the endorsement on 
the copy filed as a part of this report, marked “A.” 

At the time and place fixed, said parties appeared and the committee pro^ 
ceeded with the investigation. 

The accused pleaded not guilty to said charge and specifications. For the ac- 
cuser the following witnesses were examined : 

The depositions of said witnesses are filed herewith as part of this report, marked 
“ B,” “ C,” “ D.” 

For the accused the following witnesses were examined : 

Their depositions are 


filed herewith as part of this report, marked “ E,” “ F,” “G.” 

After arguments by the parties, the committee considered the testimony sub- 
mitted, and are of the opinion : 

1. That the charge is sustained by the proof. 

2. That specification 1 is sustained. 

3. That specification 2 is sustained. 

The committee, therefore, report that in their opinion the accused is guilty. 
Notice was given to the parties that this report would be submitted to the 
Lodge at its meeting. 18. . . . 

Respectfully submitted, 

18.. . 


Committee. 

The wording of this report must be changed, of course, so as to state fully 
what was done by the committee. 


APPENDIX. 


501 


[Form No. 27.] 

NOTICE OF JUDGMENT. 

Lodge A. O. U. W. 


At a meeting of this Lodge, on ,18 , the report of the 

committee appointed to investigate the charge preferred against you by 

• , was considered, the same adopted, and you adjudged 

guilty of said charge and specifications. You were, thereupon, by vote of the 
Lodge, expelled from all the rights, privileges and benefits of the Order. 

[>S.] 

Recorder. 

Should the accused desire to appeal, he should give notice thereof to the 

Lodge. 

APPEALS. 

When a member considers that injustice has been done him by the decision or 
action of a Lodge, whether Subordinate or Grand, he may within one month 
thereafter appeal from the action complained of. 

The first step necessary is to prepare a notice of appeal, to be served on the 
Grand Master Workman or Supreme Master Workman, and also a notice of the 
taking of the appeal, to be served on the Lodge whose action is sought to be 
reviewed. 

The grounds upon which the appeal is based should be clearly stated, and be 
identical in form in both notices, as a matter of convenience in hearing and 
deciding the appeal, if for no other reason. 


[Form No. 28.] 

NOTICE OF APPEAL. 

To. (Grand Master Workman or Supreme Master Workman): 

The undersigned. ... of Lodge, No 

A O. U. W. , hereby appeals to you from the decision of 

Lodge, No , A O. U. W. (or the Grand Lodge of as 

the case may be), made on the day of 18. . . . 

(in passing sentence of expulsion, fining, suspending or reprimanding me, as the 
case may be). 

And the following are the grounds upon which this appeal is taken : 


1st. Injustice was done in this, that - 

2d. Injustice was done in this 

I do hereby certify, that I have heretofore and on the day of 

18. . . ., duly notified said Lodge of 

the taking of this appeal and of the grounds thereof. 

A B 

Dated 


502 


APPENDIX. 


[Form No. 29.] 

NOTICE TO LODGE OF THE TAKING OF APPEAL. 

To the officers and members of Lodge, No.. . . . , A. O. U. W. : 

Take notice that I, considering that injustice has been 

done me by the decision of Lodge, No A. O. U. W. (or 

Grand Lodge of ), made 18 in passing 

sentence of expulsion from the Order on me, (suspending me, or otherwise, as 

the case may be), do, on this day of ,18 . . ., 

appeal from such decision to the (Grand or Supreme Master Workman, as the 
case may be, or G. L. or S. L. if in session.) 

This appeal is taken on the following grounds : 

1st. Injustice was done in this , that 

2d. Injustice was done in this , that 

etc. (setting forth distinctly the specific errors relied upon, as contained in the 
notice of appeal served on the G. M. W. or S. M. W.) 

Signed, A B 

18.... 


[Form No. 30.] 

ANSWER TO THE APPEAL. 

The Lodge from the decision of which the appeal is taken may, if it sees 
proper, submit to the appellate body a brief answer to the appeal. This should 
be a statement summarizing the facts as shown on the trial, with reference to 
the law governing the case by way of argument, in addition to the testimony, 
journal and records, which they are required to return formally certified under seal. 

The Recorder, in preparing the transcript or copy of the minutes, should be 
very careful to give fully and exactly all that transpired on the trial, giving full 
copies ; never, unless ordered by the Lodge as to some particular document, 
sending up original papers. The transcript should be made in a plain, legible 
handwriting, and fastened at top of paper. The Recorder should, under the seal 
of the Lodge, certify to the correctness of the transcript substantially as follows: 

CERTIFICATE TO TRANSCRIPT. 

I Recorder of Lodge, No 

A. O. U. W., do hereby certify that the foregoing is a full, true and perfect 
transcript of all the proceedings had by said Lodge, upon the charge preferred 

by against , as the same appears upon 

the records of said Lodge, and on file in the archives thereof, and a copy of all 
minutes relating to the subject, as well as of all journals and minutes of testi- 
mony kept or taken by the committee appointed in said proceedings 

18 

[>. S.] 

Recorder. 








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I N D EX 


PAGE. 

Absence of officers (see meeting) 3 

Absence, leave of (see P. M. W., 316) 3 

Acclamation (see election, 180) ... 3 

Account (see Supreme Recorder, 420) 3 

Account books (see fiscal year, 204) 3 

Action 3 

Act of incorporation of Supreme Lodge and acceptance (see Supreme 

Lodge, 408) 7 

Adjournment 7 

Administrator (see beneficiary certificate, 62) 7 

Admission to Lodge 12-13 

Admission to membership 7 

Advance assessment (see assessment, 30) 7 

Advancement 8 

Affirmation • 8 

Age 8 

Agency n 

Alterations (see amendments) 13 

Alternate (see representative, 373) 13 

Amalgamation (see Lodge consolidation, 142) 13 

Amendment 13 

Amotion (see removal from office, 370) 19 

Anchor and shield (see emblem, 185) 19 

A. O. U. W. (see objects, etc.) 19 

Appeals 19 

Appellate jurisdiction of Supreme Lodge. 23 

Appearance (see trial, 440) 23 

Applicant 23 

Application 24 

Appointments pro tem 28 

Appointments of committees (see titles of various committees) ... 29 

Appointments of deputies (see Deputy Grand Master Workman, 164) 29 

Appointments of tellers (see election, 180) ... 29 

Appropriations (see moneys, 291) 29 

Arrears and arrearages 29 

Assessments 3° 

Assessment book (see Financiers, 197). . • 46 

Attendance (see absence, 3) 47 

Auditing committee 47 


506 


INDEX. 


PAGE. 

Back beneficiary fund 48 

Badge of the Order 4$ 

Ballot and balloting 49 

Bartenders (see intoxicating liquor) . . . . 247 

Benefits 56 

Beneficiary assessments .... go 

Beneficiary article governing Subordinate Lodges 88 

Beneficiary certificate 62 

Beneficiary fund 88 

Beneficiary laws .. 88 

Beneficiary system 56 

Biennial sessions . 102 

Blackball 102 

Black book 102 

Books 102- 103 

Bonds 103 

Burial 106 

Business committee 107 

By-laws 107 

Candidate (see application for membership, 23) 117 

Card, clearance (see clearance card, 124) 117 

Card, final (see final card, 193) . 117 

Certificate register book (see recorder) 337 

Certificate, beneficiary (see beneficiary certificate, 62) 129 

Change of beneficiary designations 77-129 

Charges (see trial, 440) ...... 129 

Charter granting forfeiture and surrender 130 

Charter fees 132 

Charter members, etc 135 

Circulars 136 

Clearance cards (see card ante) 117 

Code of trials * . . 136 

Colors 137 

Committees . . 137 

Compensation 142 

Consolidation 142 

Constitution 145 

Contest 145 

Corner stone, laying of ...... 475 

Counsel, charges, etc 145 


INDEX. 


507 


Credentials 

Crossing the hall 


PAGE. 

. 145 

• 145 


Death (see beneficiary fund, 88) 

Death, proof of 

Debt 

Decisions . . . . 

Dedication. 

Defaulter 

Defunct Lodge (see delinquent Lodge, 161) 

Degrees 

Degree fees 

Degree of honor 

Delinquent and defunct Lodges 

Deputy G. M. W 

D. D. G. M. W 

Dep. S. M. W 

Dispensations to Lodges 

Dispensations to Ind 

Display 

Disputes and grievances 

District deputy (see dep. 164) 

Districts 

Drafts 

Drunkenness 

Dues 


146 

9i 

146 

146 
47i 

147 
147 
147 

151 

155 

161 

164 

165 

168 

169 

170 
T72 
*73 
173 

173 

174 
174 
174 


Elections 180 

Eligibility to membership (see membership qualifications, 286) 184 

Eligibility to office ? . . 184 

Emblem 185 

Emergency (see relief law, 363) 185 

Entertainment 185 

Examination 185 

Exigency (see relief law). 363 

Expelled members. . 185 

Expulsions ••• * 9 X 

Extension of the Order (see objects of the Order, 301) 191 

Extinct Lodges (see delinquent Lodges, 161 consolidation, etc., 142) 191 

Fees I 9 2 

Final card *93 


508 


INDEX. 


PAGE. 

Fines 196 

Financiers . ... 197 

Finance committee.... ... 204 

Fiscal year 204 

Foreman 205 

Forfeiture 204 

Forms (appendix) 207 

Formation of Grand Lodge (see Grand Lodge, 212) 208 

Fraud 208 

Fund, beneficiary (see beneficiary fund) 88 

Fund, general (see general fund) ! 209 

Funds 208 

Furniture 208 

General fund 209 

General laws 211 

Good standing ... 212 

Grand foreman 221 

Grand guide .... 222 

Grand lodges 227 

Grand master workman 219 

Grand medical examiner (see medical examiner) 266 

Grand overseer 221 

Grand receiver 222 

Grand recorder 222 

Grand trustee . . 226 

Grand watchman 226 

Grievances 235 

Guide 235 

Hazardous employments 237 

Heirs 237 

Holidays 237 

Honoray members, ... 238 

Honors 238 

Illegal admissions. . . 239 

Immorality 239 

Impeachment . 239 

Incorporation 239 

Increase of beneficiary fund 240 

Indefinite suspension (see suspended members, 430) . . 240 




INDEX. 


509 


PAGE. 

Initiation 240 

Inside watchman 240 

Insanity 240 

Installation of officers 240 

Installing officer ... 245 

Instituting officer 245 

Instituting of new lodge 245 

Intoxication 249 

Intoxicating liquors .... 247 

Insurance 245 

Inventory made of lodge property (see trustees) 249 

Investigating committee 249 

Invitations 251 

Irregular admissions to the order 251 

Jewels 252 

Judiciary committee 252 

Junior workman . . . 252 

Junior P. M. W 321 

Jurisdiction 256 

Jurisprudence 257 

Key (see password) 313 

Knights, select (select knights) 400 

Lands of lodges shall be under supervision of trustees 258 

Language. 258 

Laws of supreme lodge - 258 

Laws of grand lodges 259 

Laws of subordinate lodges . . 259 

Legacy and legatees 259 

Legislation • • 259 

Legislative powers . 259 

Library fund 259 

Limit of age •. 260 

Lodge 2 6° 

Lodge meeting 260 

Lost certificate • • • • • 260 

Mandamus 261 

Master Workman 262 

Medical Examiner 266 

Medical examinations 266 


510 


INDEX. 


PAGE. 

Meetings Supreme Lodge 282 

Meetings Grand Lodge 282 

Meetings Subordinate Lodge 282 

Membership 286 

Mileage and per diem 290 

Minutes 290 

Moneys 291 

Monthly report 292 

Name of Lodge — Sup 293 

Name of member — “ nickname ” 293 

Nearest Lodge. . . 293 

New Lodges 294 

Nominations 298 

Non-resident. . . 299 

Notice 299 

Objects of the Order . . 301 

Objections 302 

Occupation (see intoxicating liquors, 247) 302 

Ode 302 

Offenses 303 

Officers . 307 

Official bonds . 31 1 

Official documents 311 

Official seal 311 

Offsets 311 

Orders 311 

Organization of new Lodges .... . . 311 

Outside watchman 311 

Overseer . . 311 

Payment of death loss . 326 

Password 313 

Past Supreme Master Workman 325 

Past Grand Master Workman 323 

Past Master Workman 3x6 

Penalties 326 

Per capita tax 326 

Petition for membership 328 

Processions, public 329 

Prohibited work o 2Q 


INDEX. 


511 


Proof of death 

Pro tempore appointments 

Residing officers 

Provincial Medical Examiner. . . . 

Printing and supplies. 

Publications 

Quaker. ... 

Qualifications 

Questions 

Quorum 

Rank 

Re-ballot (see ballot, 49) 

Receiver 

Recess 

Recorder 

Records . . 

Re-examination 

Regalia 

Register of expelled members 
Relief law Relief Committee... . 

Reinstatement 

Removal 

Reports 

Representations. ... 

Reprimand 

Residence 

Resolutions 

Returns 

Revenue 

Rituals, etc 

Roll 

Roberts’ rules (see rules of order) 
Rules of order 

Sabbath 

Salary 

Seal 

Secret journal 

Secret work 

Separate jurisdiction 


PAGE. 

• 329 

329 

330 
329 

• 330 


331 

331 

331 

331 

334 

335 
335 
337 
337 


• ■ 343 
••• 343 

•• 345 

361-363 

•• 345 
... 370 
... 372 
• ■ • 373 
377 
377 
• • • 380 

• ■ 380 
... 380 
... 381 
••• 383 

• • • 383 

■ • • • 391 

• • 391 
. ... 39 1 
■ • • 394 
• • • • 394 
• • • • 394 


512 


INDEX. 


PAGE. 

Service 394 

Sessions 394 

Sick benefits 395 

Sick members . 395 

Signature 401 

Sister Grand Lodges 402 

Special sessions ... 402 

Special meetings 402 

Spurious Lodges 402 

Standing committees 402 

Standing rules 403 

Stated meetings 403 

Subordinate Lodges 403 

Supervision 408 

Supplies 403 

Tax 440 

Teller 440 

Tender 440 

Terms of office 440 

Traveling 440 

Transcript , 440 

Trial : 440 

Trustees 453 

Unwritten work 456 

Upchurch 456 

Vacancy 457 

Visiting. ... 458 

Visiting sick 460 

Voting 460 

Vouchers 460 

Watchman 467 

Watchers with sick 46y 

Withdrawal. 468 

Witnesses 


COPYRIGHT 1885, 

By the Supreme Lodge of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. 






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